Author: Staff

  • Jim Ross Avoids Surgery: Update On His Health & Hospitalization

    The day he was scheduled to undergo surgery to have a a stent inserted into an artery near his heart, the WWE Hall of Famer got great news that his surgery was unnecessary.

    Ross, who is still in the hospital wrote on Twitter:

    “No surgery required. Sore where (the doctor) explored my heart via femoral artery. Hope to get home tonight. Caught a break”

    Great news from Jim Ross – we wish him a full and speedy recovery.

  • Preview Kurt Angle’s New Movie This Weekend In Florida

    TNA sent out this press release hyping a special preview of Kurt Angle’s new movie “Beyond the Mat” for fans in Daytona, Florida this weekend for Bound For Glory this weekend:

    BOUND FOR GLORY WEEKEND: ATTEND AN EXCLUSIVE SCREENING OF KURT ANGLE’S NEW MOVIE

    TNA Wrestling and Catch 22 Entertainment have teamed up to kick off “Bound for Glory 2010” weekend with an exclusive midnight screening to Kurt Angle’s new movie “Beyond the Mat” Friday, October 8 at the R/C Ocean Walk 10 in Daytona, Florida.

    Fans will have one exclusive chance to see “Beyond The Mat” before its national theatrical release scheduled for early 2011, with purchase of the TNA “Bound For Glory 2010” VIP Weekend Package. Only fans who have purchased the “Bound For Glory 2010” VIP Weekend Package will be granted admission to this screening.

    Set against the backdrop of a high school varsity wrestling team, “Beyond the Mat” is the coming-of-age tale of Aaron Miller, whose friendship is put on the line when his best friend robs Aaron of his spot on the varsity wrestling team in order to stage a rematch with a cross-town rival. Aaron is torn between his loyalty to his friend and his commitment to his sport. Fueled by the desire to succeed and the need to prove himself, Aaron embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

    Kurt Angle gives a punishing performance as Coach Kamen. Angle predicts the film, which he says portrays the sport with authenticity, will resonate with the wrestling community and introduce that world to a wider audience. What’s more, “it has a great story that goes beyond wrestling itself,” notes Angle.

    The “Bound For Glory 2010 VIP Weekend Package” is $199 and available for purchase exclusively at www.ShopTNA.com. In addition to entrance into the “Beyond the Mat” screening, the VIP Weekend Package includes admission to “TNA Bound For Glory Fan InterAction,”where fans can meet over 40 TNA Superstars, as well as private, meet-and-greet and signing events with “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair, “The Icon” Sting, and “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy, as well as a special “Night Before The Glory Luau” on Saturday night, special gifts from TNA personality Don West and much, much more!

  • JR Blog: Austin Teasing One More Match, Tonight’s RAW

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog on his website, which you can check out in its entirety at JRsbarbq.com. Here are some highlights of what JR said about:

    Steve Austin Teasing 1 More Match: “Saw where the UK Sun interviewed Steve Austin about another of Steve’s movies being released eminently. Again, when Austin said ‘never say never’ regarding him returning to the ring one can surmise that is true as long as Steve is healthy enough to want to train to get back into the ring but I would be shocked to see Steve ever want to wrestle anyone at anytime at any place in the future.”

    “Could it happen? Sure. Will it happen? Highly unlikely. Let the rumors begin and the speculation run wild, BROTHER! Steve is immersed in is movie career and to get back into the ring would take time away from that endeavor as Austin would never step back in the ring without several weeks or perhaps even months of preparation. Stone Cold has too much pride to ever step in the ring merely for a pay day and not to give his fans a helluva bout.”

    Hell in a Cell in the “PG Era”: “HIAC presentations in a PG world is a tough one to execute. Competing in an environment erected of steel ‘feels’ conducive to be more aggressive that a PG franchise can provide.”

    Tonight’s RAW: “Tonight’s Raw presentation from lovely Wichita is hugely important based on what occurred on the PPV Sunday night in Dallas. Building realistic, personal issues over a deliberate amount of time and not getting in a rush while doing so will usually interest and encourage TV viewers to make an emotional investment in the process. It’s refreshing that WWE is seemingly trying ‘new’ things and one can assume that this direction will continue during this week’s TV programs especially Monday Night Raw which is WWE’s top TV priority and needs stimulating, weekly content particularly against Monday Night Football.”

  • Jim Ross Having Heart Surgery Today, Swagger-Edge & More

    – WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross will undergo surgery at 3PM CT today, where he will have a stent inserted into an artery near his heart. Ross was able to attend Saturday’s Oklahoma vs. Texas game and downplayed the seriousness of the surgery, saying,

    “I ain’t scared for the heart procedure… My faith is strong and my doctors are awesome. Best shape I’ve been in in years.”

    Ross also noted that he was supposed to attend last night’s Hell in a Cell PPV but couldn’t as his doctor wanted him to rest in preparation for today.

    – Jack Swagger wrote on Twitter today his feud with Edge will continue:

    “Threw a little surprise at everyone coming to He’ll in a Cell last night huh, well it’s definitely not finished between Edge & I!”

    Edge has been rumored to be heading to Smackdown and it appears a program with Jack Swagger will be used to get him over to the Friday show.

    – WWE is reportedly encouraging talent to create YouTube channels and post in-character video blogs for their fans to follow. Last week, we saw Melina post her first video blog, which you can see here.

  • Shawn Michaels & Wife Appearing On Hunting Show (Pictures)

    The Sportsman Channel sent out the following press release:

    Michaels’ First Appearance on TV Since Retiring in March; Wife Rebecca Joins Him Hunting

    New Berlin, WI – August 3, 2010 – Hunting gear, shooting birds and…wrestling? That’s what you’ll see on this week’s episode of The Experience with Weston and Jodi Clark as the couple hosts recently retired WWE star, Shawn Michaels, and his wife, Rebecca. The Experience with Weston and Jodi Clark airs Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. EST, with re-airs on Thursdays at 12 a.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. on Sportsman Channel.

    The Clarks said they filmed a total of three episodes with Shawn and Rebecca at the Venado Creek Ranch in Texas this past February. And what makes this show so special is that it is Shawn’s first time back on the screen since retiring in March. “The episodes will feature Shawn and Rebecca talking about their hunting experiences and viewers will get to see how Shawn enjoys himself in the outdoors,” said co-host of The Experience, Weston Clark. “Shawn is an enthusiastic and passionate person; I think viewers will see that enthusiasm come across when he and Rebecca talk about some of their dream hunts as well.”

    The Experience with Weston and Jodi Clark sets out to surprise our nation’s heroes on every episode with a dream hunting trip, which they find by asking viewers to nominate their hero. This one-of-a-kind show goes “behind the hunt” to the human side of the story to reveal how we all share a common bond through the outdoors.

    In the episode with Michael’s, viewers will be introduced to Assistant Chief of Police Tim Schnieder from Plainview, Minn. who recently lost his eight-year-old son to cancer. On Tim’s first time out in the woods with The Experience, he came up empty handed. So the Clarks bring him out again, but this time with his favorite wrestler, Shawn Michaels. “When Tim saw Shawn, he was just shocked – he couldn’t believe he was hunting with this wrestling icon,” said Clark.

    Viewers will have to stay tune to the episode to see if Shawn and the Police Chief get their bucks!

    Check out these pictures of Shawn Michaels and his wife Rebecca hunting:

  • Steve Austin Says His Neck Is 100% & Teases One More Match

    WWE Hal of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin spoke to the UK Sun newspaper recently to promote his new “Hunt to Kill” DVD and had a lot to say about wrestling. Here are some highlights of what Austin said about:

    Watching Wrestling: “I watch all wrestling whenever I can, I watch WWE and I watch TNA. I’ve just always had that passion for the sport. That’s what inspired me to enter the ring in the first place, I watched wrestling avidly as a kid and back then it was guys battering each other in smoke filled arenas and blood flowed freely. And that’s why I still watch WWE and TNA all the time today, it’s entertaining and takes me back.”

    His Neck: “My neck was fixed in 2000, I had to leave the ring because of the damage, but in my normal life and movies it’s fine, although wrestling wise I’d be a total mess right now … I’m lucky, you know my neck is 100 per cent these days, I can do my own stunts and fight scenes where I can. I don’t claim to be a tough guy, but I give it a go.”

    One More Match: “I never thought I’d say it, but when I’m asked about one more match these days I do tend to say ‘never say never’. So don’t rule it out.”

    Visit The UK Sun to read more from Steve Austin’s interview.

  • Video: Triple H Campaigns For Linda, Girls Gone Wild

    – Some of you  may remember that WWE co-promoted a pay-per-view with the “Girls Gone Wild” company back in 2003. Well that has now been brought up as further ammo against Linda McMahon’s Senate campaign. You can read about Linda’s opponent using the Girls Gone Wild affiliation against her at Courant.com.

    – Happy birthday to Linda McMahon, who turns 62 years old today.

    – Here’s a video of Triple H campaigning for Linda McMahon, talking about why he is supporting his mother-in-law:

  • What Happened After HIAC, Wrestlers’ PPV Tweets

    – After last night’s WWE Hell in a Cell pay-per-view ended, The Undertaker sat in the ring a few minutes before his music started playing. Taker rolled out of the ring and sat there looking confused before leaving.

    – Several kids at the show were seen in tears after John Cena lost to Wade Barrett. Some parents and their kids were seen leaving the arena after Cena lost the match.

    – Natalya wrote the following on her twitter after competing against Unified WWE Divas Champion Michelle McCool at last night’s WWE Hell in a Cell pay-per-view:

    “I couldn’t be happier about tonight at HIAC…@McCoolMichelleL is one tough cookie and I’m well aware of that- but tonight, I felt I more than made a statement…”

    “I felt proud of our match tonight- and as crazy/insane as it sounds, proud of Laycool, too.”

    – Paul Bearer wrote the following on Twitter last night about Hell in a Cell:

    “About 2am time to try to get some rest. I do appreciate you all no matter what your opinion is of my actions tonight. Business is business. Storyline wise, you must remember UT buried me in concrete. Kane is my blood. Were my actions justified… matter of opinion. Good night.”

  • WHAT DID YOU THINK OF WWE HELL IN A CELL?

    WWE Hell in a Cell 2010 is in the books – and we want to know what you thought about WWE’s latest PPV offering.

    Vote and comment below to be heard!

    [poll id=”22″]

    [poll id=”23″]

  • WWE Hell In A Cell PPV Results: October 2, 2010

    Dark Match:

    Goldust, Kofi Kingston & R-Truth b. WWE Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler & WWE Unified Tag Team Champions “Dashing” Cody Rhodes & Drew McIntyre

    Opening Segment:

    We get a video package to open the show, highlighting the theme of tonight’s event, as well as all of the main feuds heading into HIAC.

    The pyro hits and Michael Cole welcomes us to the show proper. The triple threat match will open tonight’s show.

    Triple Threat Submissions Count Anywhere Match for the WWE US Championship
    – Daniel Bryan (c) vs. John Morrison vs. The Miz w/Alex Riley

    John Morrison is the first man out to the ring, and it doesn’t sound like he gets much of a reaction, but I can’t tell if the crowd is turned down for the benefit of the announcers of not. Bryan is out next, with his awesome theme music, and he too gets a pretty apathetic reaction. The Miz is out next, with a mic in hand. Miz says this is ridiculous. He was the mentor of both men currently in the ring, and neither would be anywhere without the Miz. Miz says without either of them, he’d still be a huge star because he has ‘it’, and after tonight, he’ll be the US Champion. And he never tapped out, because he’s the Miz and he’s awesome.

    The start:

    The bell rings and Miz and Bryan hit a double shoulder block to Miz, sending him to the outside. Morrison goes out one sie of the ring, and Bryan the other, and they chase Miz around for a bit before Morrison catches his foot, and Bryan executes a single leg drop kick to Miz’s head. Morrison and Bryan trade holds, doing a bit of mat wrestling before Bryan grapevines Morrison’s let and wrenches away. Morrison rolls to the outside, but Bryan continues to hold on until Miz kicks him in the back of the head.

    Mid-match notes:

    Miz picks up Morrison and rams him into the ring apron before sending Bryan into the barricade. Miz rolls Morrison back into the ring where he pounds on him for a bit. Morrison is able to catch Miz off guard and lock in the tarantula, but Bryan breaks it up with a dropkick, sending Morrison to the outside. Bryan locks in Cattle Mutilation! Miz fights right out of it though, so Bryan lays in with some stiff kicks to Miz’s chest. Bryan grapevines Miz’s leg and Miz screams in pain. Bryan kicks Miz in the head with the submission locked in and he and Miz trade kicks. They roll toward the corner, and Morrison breaks up the submission with a corkscrew moonsault. Morrison locks in what looks to be the Haas of pain, but Miz breaks it up.

    Morrison sends Miz to the outside and follows out with a corkscrew plancha. On the outside, Morrison charges Miz, but finds himself backdropped out into the crowd. Morrison tries to fight back, but Miz sends him headfirst into the ringside barricade. Miz locks in an armbar with his knee on Morrison’s head, but Morrison fights out of it with a big right hand. Morrison hits Miz with a series of forearms, and he and Miz begin brawling up the stairs deeper into the crowd. Miz locks Morrison in a modified Dragon sleeper wrenching Morrison between the stair railing, and Bryan is there to break it up. Miz comes right back, slamming Bryan head first into a trash can.

    Miz continues to chase Bryan and almost finds himself locked in an arm bar, but Miz fights out of it. Miz fights off Morrison, bodyslamming him into a crowd partition. Miz sends Bryan crashing through a barricade. Miz disappears into the back and returns, rolling a big equipment box straight into Morrison before slamming Bryan on top of it. Miz launches the box, with Bryan still on top of it, into the entrance ramp, launching Bryan onto the ramp. Morrison uses the box to drop kick Miz in a terrible fashion. Morrison tries to lock in a submission but Bryan breaks it up. Miz sends Bryan into the barricade and connects with the SCF on Morrison on the concrete.

    Miz turns his attention to Bryan and they fight up on the ramp. Both men go for their respective finishers, but neither man can connect. Bryan and Miz both hit simultaneous clotheslines and both are down. Morrison is shown on the side of the stage climbing the scenery. He climbs to the top of a stage Hell in a Cell and leaps off on both Bryan and Morrison with a big cross body.

    The finish:

    Morrison gets to his knees and grabs Miz’s ankle. Morrison locks in a Texas cloverleaf, and Miz is screaming. Alex Riley comes out of nowhere and tosses Morrison off the Miz. Bryan sends Riley crashing into a cameraman and off the stage. Bryan turns his attention to Miz and he’s able to lock in the LeBell lock. Miz is forced to tap on the entrance ramp.

    Winner & STILL WWE US Champion: Daniel Bryan

    Daniel Bryan celebrates with the title, and in a weird move, Cole actually admits that Bryan is the real deal. That’s one of the first good calls I’ve ever heard from Cole.

    Hell in a Cell Match for the WWE Championship
    – Randy Orton (c) vs. Sheamus

    We get a video package of the events, beginning at Night of Champions, that have led up to this match. The Cell is being lowered, and Cole notes that this will be the 20th Hell in a Cell match ever. Sheamus is the first man out to the ring, and he gets a decent amount of heat from the crowd. He sizes up the Cell before stepping in. Randy Orton’s music hits, and he gets a giant pop from the crowd. He makes his way out to the ring with his title in hand.

    The start:

    The cell is locked and the bell ring. Orton and Sheamus lock up and push each other around the ring. They eventually break the collar and elbow tie up and just trade blows instead. Orton hits Sheamus with a big clothesline before raking his boot across Sheamus’ face. Sheamus is able to get a couple of blows in, in the corner, but Orton comes right back with another clothesline, and another that sends Sheamus over the top to the outside, Orton goes to slam Sheamus’ head into the cell, but Sheamus blocks and gets right back into the ring.

    Mid-match notes:

    Sheamus catches Orton with a shoulder to the gut before launching himself over the top and into the ring with a big shoulderblock. Sheamus hits an elbow drop across Orton’s throat on the ring apron. Sheamus tries to slam Orton’s head into the cell, and Orton fights it off. Orton tries to whip Sheamus into the cell, but it’s reversed, and Orton tastes steel before being clotheslined by Sheamus. Sheamus catches Orton with a boot to the ribs before picking up the ring steps. Sheamus throws them, kind of at Orton, but more at the ropes and they bounce away. Orton responds, picking Sheamus up and ramming him back first into the cell twice before picking up the steps and ramming them into Sheamus’ head.

    Back in the ring Orton tries for the pin, but Sheamus kicks out at two. Orton tries for a suplex, but Sheamus blocks, and suplexes Orton into the ropes instead. Sheamus hits a shoulderblock to Orton, who’s standing on the apron and ends up launched into the cell wall. Sheamus follows to the outside, but only to bring Orton back into the ring. Cover by Sheamus and he gets a two count. Sheamus lays into Orton with several boots in the corner. Orton tries to fight back with a couple of right hands, but a big fist to the gut puts Orton back down to the mat. Sheamus hits Orton with a couple of knees to the ribs.

    Sheamus goes for a cover but can’t get three. Sheamus goes into the corner and tears off the turnbuckle pad, but when he goes to slam Orton’s head into it, Orton blocks it and begins to fight back. A quick blow from Sheamus takes Orton right back down to the mat. Orton rolls to the outside, and Sheamus follows (PG-ishly) raking Orton’s face and slamming it into the cell wall. Sheamus sets up the ring steps on their side, choosing to suplex Orton, ribs first, into the steps. Sheamus stands and knees down on Orton’s ribs, continuing to wear away at Orton. Back in the ring, Sheamus goes for a cover but he only gets two.

    Sheamus locks in a rear chin lock, wrapping his legs around Orton’s body, but Orton is able to fight out of it. Sheamus lays into Orton with a couple of kicks to the back, and it’s right back into another submission, this time a waistlock. Orton fights to his feet and out of the hold with a big back body drop.

    Orton sends Sheamus into the exposed turnbuckle, and both men are slow to get to their feet. Orton and Sheamus trade blows in the middle of the ring, and Orton fights out of a hold only to hit two clotheslines and a power slam on Sheamus. Sheamus misses with a clothesline and walks into a belly to belly suplex that’s good for a near fall. Orton hits his signature backbreaker, but Sheamus is quick to get back to his feet and reverses an RKO only to attack the ribs with a high knee to Orton’s stomach.

    Sheamus goes to the outside, grabs the steel steps and brings them to the inside. Orton tries to fight abck against Sheamus, but Sheamus continues to focus on Orton’s ribs. Orton fights out of shoulder breaker position, and delivers a powerslam to Sheamus, planting him on the steps. Orton covers Sheamus, but Sheamus kicks out at two.

    Sheamus rolls out to the apron, and Orton tries to go for his rope assisted DDT. Sheamus fights out of it, but Orton grabs his head, and jumps over the top rope, hanging Sheamus up on the top rope. Orton grabs Sheamus by the head, and dragging Sheamus out to the apron, hitting the DDT from the apron to the floor.

    Sheamus is pretty quick to get back up to his feet, and he sends Orton shoulder first into the ring post, instead of getting another RKO. Back in the ring, Sheamus goes for, and hits his urunage backbreaker on the ring steps. Sheamus tosses the steps aside and waits for Orton to get back to his feet. Sheamus hits the bicycle kick and goes for the cover but Orton kicks out at two.

    Sheamus goes under the ring, where he grabs a chair. Sheamus heads back into the ring and wails away at Orton’s back, hitting him about four times in succession. Sheamus covers Orton but still can’t get the three count. Sheamus picks up the chair again and waits for Orton to get to his feet. Sheamus swings but Orton ducks. Orton connects with the RKO, but Sheamus rolls to the outside. Orton goes to the outside, and gets a look on his face. Orton sets up for the punt, but Sheamus rolls out of the way. Sheamus hits the bicycle kick instead, putting Orton down. Sheamus tries to get Orton up, and he rolls him back into the ring. Another cover, and Orton kicks out at two again.

    The finish:

    Sheamus puts the ring steps back into the middle of the ring. Sheamus drags Orton to the steps, and he sets up for the high cross, but Orton counters out of it, planting Sheamus back first into the steps. Sheamus picks up Orton, but eats and RKO, coming down across the ring steps. Orton covers Sheamus, and this one is over.

    Winner & STILL WWE Champion: Randy Orton

    After the match,Orton straps on the title, and he goes to climb the cell, egging the crowd on to cheer for him. Orton makes it to the top pretty darn fast, and he stands on the edge of the cell holding the title high for all to see.

    Josh Matthews is standing backstage with the WWE NXT Season 3 Rookies, in an obvious attempt to kill time. He asks one of them how nervous they are, but they’re interrupted by the Nexus. Barrett says there’s something in the air tonight, and he can feel it. Matthews says that may be the end of Nexus, he reminds Barrett of the stipulations. Barrett says he doesn’t like it, and he’s fully aware of the situation. He says tonight he’s going to win, and then tomorrow night they have a special gift for Cena, Tarver holds up a Nexus arm band. Barrett says right now he may be against them, but after tonight Cena will be Nexus.

    In-Ring Segment
    – Alberto Del Rio

    In Another attempt to kill time, Alberto Del Rio’s ring announcer (Ricardo Rodriguez) is introduced, and he in turn introduces Alberto Del Rio, who comes out to his usual pomp and circumstance.

    Del Rio repeats his name, but he says the crowd already knows that. Tonight is his WWE PPV debut, and he wants to make it special. Del Rio says a man like him can spend days counting his fortune, but instead of that he’s here trying to help the crowd. He doesn’t want to be cheered for that, the crowd should say thank you. He says first he took out Rey Mysterio, then Christian, so he asks who will be the next to face him. He says he thought this was Texas, where everything was bigger, including the bravado. He says he could buy each and every one of the people in the crowd. He’s got more money than Mark Cuban, he’s better than Nolan Ryan, and he’s more handsome than Tony Romo. Del Rio says that he’s better than the crowd, so he’s going to challenge anyone. He’s interrupted by Edge’s music.

    Edge makes his way out to the ring, to a big pop. He has a mic, and he says he’s not out here to defend Texas, Rey Mysterio, or even Christian. He’s out to fight one thing, stupidity. He says there are things about Del Rio that are stupid, like coming out with a chihuahua on Smackdown dressed like Rey Mysterio, and his scarf, they’re stupid. He says Alberto Del Rio es muy estupido. Del Rio says he’s not stupid, he’s the man who’s going to hurt Edge, and he winks. Edge calls the wink out, saying it’s disturbing and stupid. He calls the ring announcer stupid. Del Rio takes off his jacket, and Jack Swagger interrupts.

    Swagger says it’s stupid that a Canadian and Mexican are arguing when he’s not even on the card tonight. He also says it’s not nice that Edger speared the man in the Eagle suit that has medical bill which Edge will pay. Edge says that he can pay Swagger’s bills too. Edge tries to jump Swagger, but he’s jumped by both men. Del Rio slips out, and Swagger continues to beat down Edge. The I/M noise and light dimming occurs, and apparently Edge will have to apologize to the GM tomorrow night, and he’ll have to face Swagger right now.

    Impromptu Singles Match
    – Edge vs. Jack Swagger

    The start:

    Swagger lays the boots in to Edge midsection to start the match, but Edge reverses an Irish whip, hits a drop toe hold, and an elbow to the back of Swagger’s head. Swagger sends Edge crashing into the middle turnbuckle with a big Irish whip, before burying his boot in Edge’s chest. Swagger catches Edge with a big right hand, and Edge tries to fight back, but Swagger goes behind and hits a beautiful modified gutbuster that’s good for a two count.

    Mid-match notes:

    Edge tries to fight back again, but Swagger hits Edge with a big clothesline to the back of the head that’s good for another near fall. Swagger puts Edge in a waistlock, and rolls around on the mat with him for a bit, before wrapping Edge up with a body scissors. Edge is able to fight it off, making his way up to his feet and hot shotting Swagger on the top rope. Edge puts Swagger on the middle rope and launches himself, but Swagger moves and Edge crashes into the ropes. Swagger covers Edge but only gets two. Swagger tries to German suplex Edge from the apron to the floor, but Edge grabs onto the ropes and won’t let go. Swagger locks in a sick rope assisted abdominal lock, but he’s forced to break within five seconds. Swagger comes back into the ring, but he’s greeted with a huge boot from Edge.

    Swagger is able to take Edge down to the mat and he tries for the ankle lock, but Edge fights it off. Edge hits a modified neckbreaker that’s good for a near fall, but Swagger kicks out and goes right into the ankle lock. Edge gets to the ropes, and Swagger is forced to break the hold. Edge gets back to his feet, and he back body drops a charging Swagger over the top rope and out to the floor. Edge teases a suicide dive, but Swagger avoids it, and drags Edge to the floor. Swagger tries to lock in the ankle lock on the floor, but Edge sends Swagger head first into the ring steps instead. Back in the ring, Edge climbs the ropes, and Swagger jumps right up trying to bring Edge down. Edge fights Swagger off, and comes flying off the top with a missile dropkick that’s good for a two count.

    Edge goes to the outside, and ends up crashing into another cameraman. When Edge goes up to the top again, Swagger jumps right up and hits a super belly to belly suplex, launching Edge across the ring. Swagger goes for the cover but only gets a two count. Swagger hits a belly to back suplex, planting Edge on the canvas, and Swagger’s lip looks to be busted open. Swagger goes for the Vader bomb, but Edge jumps to his feet and kicks Swagger in the ribs. Edge lets Swagger get to his feet, but when he goes for the spear, Swagger counters into a gut wrench powerbomb. Swagger covers Edge, but Edge kicks out at two. Swagger grabd Edge’s leg, and Edge goes for an enzugiri, but Swagger ducks, and Edge goes down. Swagger locks in the ankle lock.

    The finish:

    Edge makes it to the ropes, but Swagger drags him back to the middle of the ring. Edge rolls through, getting out of the hold, and he connects with a big spear, taking Swagger out. Edge pins Swagger and gets the three count.

    Winner: Edge

    Backstage the Nexus, minus Barrett, are shown backstage. Otunga looks to be the ringleader. He says he hasn’t been able to run this plan by Barrett, but the Nexus should trust him, because they won’t get DQ’ed, and he doesn’t want the Nexus to break up. Otunga says he’ll explain on the way, and they walk off.

    Singles Match
    If Barrett wins, Cena joins Nexus; If Cena wins or Nexus gets involved, Nexus must disband.
    – John Cena vs. Wade Barrett

    We get a video package of the events that have led up to this match, and we also get a recap of the stipulation, that if Cena wins, the Nexus must disband, but if Cena loses, he must join the Nexus. Wade Barrett is the first man out to the ring, and he’s not accompanied by the Nexus, of course, due to the stipulations in place for this match. Cena’s music hits, and he gets a mostly good reaction from the crowd, as he makes his sway out to confront the leader of the Nexus.

    The start:

    The bell rings, and we’re ready to kick things off. Both men lock up, and Barrett locks in a side headlock, but Cena fights out of it and takes Barrett down to the mat with some quick wrestling. Another lock up, and Cena takes Barrett right back down to the mat. Another lock up, and Barrett works over Cena’s arm and wrist, but Cena quickly works his way out of it and takes Barrett down with a big hip toss and dropkick.

    Mid-match notes:

    Barrett pounds and stomps away at Cena, mounting and wailing away at his face. Cena comes right back with a series of rights and lefts of his own. Cena gets Barrett on his shoulders, but the Nexus run out to the ring, and Cena is distracted, allowing Barrett to hit him from behind with a big forearm. Barrett looks angry at the NExus and he argues with them, telling them not to interfere, and that he’s got a plan. Barrett picks Cena up and throws him into the barricade. Barrett sends Cena back into the ring, where he gets a quick two count.

    Barrett pounds on Cena in the corner, sending Cena across the ring before hitting a big backbreaker that’s good for a two count. Barrett actually goes to the second rope, and jumps off with a big elbow drop. Barrett covers Cena but again, only gets a two count. Barrett continues the assault on Cena in the corner with a series of boots to Cena’s arms and midsection. Cena is able to battle back, catching Barrett with rights and lefts, but a charging Cena eats nothing but turnbuckle when Barrett moves. Barrett hits a neckbreaker that’s good for a two count. Barrett locks in a submission, and there’s a 50/50 chant for both men. Barrett slingshots Cena into the ropes, where he crashes back into Barrett’s knees, before Barrett goes back to work on Cena’s shoulders and arms.

    Cena is able to fight out of the submission, and he comes right back with two consecutive flying shoulder blocks. A belly to back suplex, and Cena signals for the five knuckle shuffle, but he’s distracted when Nexus surround the ring. Cena hits the five knuckle shuffle anyway. Big Show is out, and he’s followed by a good portion of the locker room, who’re out to take it right to Nexus. The other superstars send Nexus packing. Officials come down to the ring to try and restore order, sending everyone to the back. Barrett gets to his feet and goes for a clothesline but Cena ducks. Cena almost locks in the STF but Barrett fights out of it. Barrett connects with a pumphandle slam, that’s good for a two count.

    Barrett tries for the wasteland, but Cena counters out of it, going for the cover and getting a two count. Cena gets to his feet and waits for Barrett. Cena tries for the AA, but Barrett fights out of it, and hits some sort of crazy slam that’s good for another near fall. Both men are back to their feet, and Cena catches Barrett with a boot to the face, only to walk into a big side slam, that again, is good for another near fall. Barrett drags Cena over to the corner and goes up to the middle rope. Barrett jumps off with a big elbow drop, but Cena moves out of the way and Barrett crashes and burns.

    Cena pulls himself to his feet on the apron, and he climbs up to the top rope, but Barrett stops him, seating him on the top turnbuckle. Barrett tries for a superplex, but Cena is able to power out of it, hitting Barrett with a couple of head butts and sending him crashing to the mat. Cena rights himself, and jumps off the top with a big leg drop to the back of Barrett’s head, but a cover only gets Cena a two count. Both men are back up and Cena tries for the AA, but Barrett counters out and connects with the wasteland. Barrett covers Cena, but Cena kicks out at two. Barrett picks Cena back up to his feet, but Cena pops right up and hits the AA. Cena covers Barrett, but Barrett kicks out at two!

    The finish:

    Both men are up again, and Cena ducks a clothesline before trapping Wade Barrett in the STF. Barrett crawls toward the ropes, and a ‘fan’ jumps into the ring to try and break things up. Another ‘fan’ comes in from out of nowhere while the ref is distracted and clocks Cena with something. Barrett pins Cena and gets the three count.

    Winner: Wade Barrett

    The crowd looks shocked as the Nexus celebrate, and when Cena recovers he looks pretty dejected.

    Josh Mathews is shown wandering around backstage in a dimly lit hallway with purple lighting. Paul Bearer creeps out from a dark doorway. Matthews asks why Bearer has come back after six years. Bearer says that he’s been developing a master plan, and biding his time, and while Kane may be the devil’s favorite demon, he will never be the Undertaker.

    Unified WWE Divas Championship Match
    – Michelle McCool (c) vs. Natalya

    Michelle McCool is out to the ring first with Layla in tow, and she gets almost no reaction from the crowd. Natalya is out next, and her reaction is a bit better, but still pretty apathetic.

    The start:

    Natalya takes McCool down at the bell with a headlock and she locks her up in a waistlock, but McCool rolls to the outside, trying to call for a timeout. Layla distracts Natalya, and she runs into a big clothesline from McCool. McCool launches Natalya into the barricade, before taking her back into the ring and burying knees in her back. McCool locks Natalya in a body scissors and tries to wear her down.

    Mid-match notes:

    Natalya picks McCool up and slams her back first into the turnbuckle, scoring a near fall, but McCool is quick to lock the body scissors right back in. Natalya gets the crowd behind her, and the ref catches McCool using the ropes for leverage to force a break. Both women get back to their feet and McCool gets a back body drop and a couple of back elbows from Natalya. Natalya catches McCool with a clothesline, but Layla distracts the ref. McCool tries to use that to her advantage, but she ends up kicking Layla. Natalya goes for a roll up, but only gets a two count.

    The finish:

    Natalya takes McCool off her feet and is able to lock in the sharpshooter, but McCool counters out of it into a heel hook. Natalya is able to roll over and right back into a sharpshooter. McCool almost taps, but Layla throws her shoe at Natalya, and that scores a DQ for McCool. Natalya tries to lock in the sharpshooter on Layla, but both co-Champs bail, Layla throwing another shoe.

    Winner by DQ: Natalya. STILL WWE Unified Diva’s Champion: Michelle McCool

    Hell in a Cell Match for the WWE Championship
    – Kane (c) vs. The Undertaker w/Paul Bearer

    We get a video package highlighting some of the extensive history between these two men, and the events over the last few weeks that have led directly up to this match. The video package is a bit long, but that’s not surprising as they’ve really been killing a lot of time this whole night. The cage is lowered, and Michael Cole rattles off a couple of demonic adjectives about the cell. Tony Chimel announces that this will be a Hell in a Cell match, and it will indeed be for the World Heavyweight Championship. Kane is announced, and the champion makes his way out to the ring.

    The gong hits, and the fans go nuts right on cue. The dead man makes his way out to the ring, being led by Paul Bearer, who is of course, carrying the urn. Taker takes off his robes, and for some reason, Bearer is in the cage, I’m not sure if he’ll stay in for the match or not, but it looks like he might. Bearer nods.

    The start:

    Takers sends Bearer to the outside, and Kane ambushes Taker, and the two fight to the outside for a bit. They make their way back into the cell, and Kane grabs a chair, but Taker gets his foot up, and it backfires, catching Kane in the face instead. Taker sends Kane face first into the cell wall, following it up with a chair to the ribs before sending him head first into the ring steps, and then back into the ring. Taker his two big splashes and snake eyes Kane in the corner before hitting a big boot, and huge leg drop that’s good for a two count.

    Mid-match notes:

    Kane gets up to his feet and grabs the chair, burying it into Taker’s midsection, than bringing it down across his back. Kane brings Taker into the corner, where he burying his shoulder into Taker’s midsection, before dropping Taker to the mat, and kicking away at him repeatedly. Taker rolls to the outside, and Kane follows, catching a throat chop for his troubles. Taker slams Kane’s head into the ring steps again, before laying Kane across the steps and kicking away at his head. Taker slams Kane’s head into the ring steps yet another time before taking Kane and slamming him, back first, into the cage wall.

    Kane retaliates by sending Taker shoulder first into the steel ring steps, and kicking away at him. Kane grabs a chair and uses it to smash Taker’s left knee, working over Taker’s entire leg. Kane sends Taker back into the ring, and he wraps Taker’s leg around the steel ring post, before lodging it between the post and steps, and kicking the steps.

    Kane rolls Taker into the ring, and brings the fight right to Taker, stomping away at Taker’s leg and back. Kane slams Taker’s leg into the apron before laying into him with a series of right hands. Kane charges Taker, but Taker moves and Kane ends up crashing into the steel wall. Taker pounds on Kane with a series of big fists to the side of the head before sending Kane back into the ring. Taker kicks at Kane’s head before going for, and connecting with his signature apron leg drop.

    Kane hits Taker with a knee to the side of the head, and he stomp at him for a bit before wrenching away at Taker’s leg and working over his knee. Kane will not let up, leaping and dropping his knee right into Taker’s before going right back into another submission. Taker pounds away at the back of Kane’s head, trying to get him to let go of the submission. Taker is able to force Kane to break the hold, and he hits Kane with a series of blows on his knees. Kane fights back, and he stomps at Taker’s chest. Both men trade blows in the cents of the ring and Kane gets the advantage, but Taker comes right back with a leaping lariat.

    Taker goes for Old School, but Kane kicks the ropes and Taker ends up crotching himself on the top turnbuckle. Kane goes up and tries for a superplex, but Taker fights him off, only to catch a big right hand to the head for his troubles. Kane hits Taker with a few more rights before trying for another superplex. Kane connects this time, getting right back up and going back to the top rope. Kane launches himself off the top rope, and connects with a clothesline, but Taker locks in Hell’s Gate out of nowhere. Kane is able to crawl to the outside, but Taker holds on. Kane finally breaks out of it, and falls to the floor.

    Kane climbs back into the ring, and both men go for, and hit, a big boot. Both men are down. Both men sit up, as they’re known to do, and they immediately begin trading blows. Kane catches Taker with a huge right hand, but Taker comes right back with a big DDT. Taker goes for the chokeslam, and he brings Kane down with force. Taker goes for the cover, but he only gets a two count. Taker kicks Kane in the gut, and goes for the last ride, but Kane hits Taker in the leg, fights out of it, and hits a chokeslam of his own that’s good for a two count.

    Taker gets up to his feet, but he looks dazed. Kane takes advantage and hits three consecutive splashes in the corner before hitting Taker with a couple of big right hands, and climbing to the second rope to deliver a few more right hands. Taker grabs Kane by the legs, and uses the opportunity to deliver a Last Ride. Taker goes for the cover, but he only gets a two count. Taker goes for the tombstone, but Kane is able to reverse it. Kane pins Taker, but Taker kicks out at two!

    Kane argues with the ref and lays him out with a big right hand. One of the refs on the outside calls for help. The ref is taken out of the ring, and replaced, and Paul Bearer makes his way into the cell in the meantime. Kane sees this, and he goes for the manager. Bearer tries to run from Kane, but Kane follows. Kane tells Bearer to get into the ring. Kane follows Bearer, telling him he shouldn’t have come back. While Kane is tied up with Bearer, Taker sits up. Taker delivers a big chokeslam to Kane.

    The finish:

    Taker calls for the tombstone, and the lights go out, and ‘lightning’ hits. Bearer opens the urn and a light comes out, blinding Taker. When the lights come back on, Taker recovers, but Bearer hands the urn to Kane who uses it to lay out Taker. Kane hits another chokeslam, goes for the cover, and gets the three count.

    Winner & STILL World Heavyweight Champion: Kane

    After the match, Kane makes his way to the back, with Bearer in tow. Bearer takes the lid off the urn again to expose the light inside. Taker ends the night laid out in the ring, while Kane stands at the top of the ramp, with light from the urn shining on his face.

  • *Spoilers* ROH On HDNet Taping Results From Philadelphia

    Below are quick results from last night’s ROH on HDNet TV tapings in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The results come courtesy of ROH Discussion Forum members creepshow and higham:

    No Pre-show tonight…show started a little after 8pm

    1. The Briscoes beat Austin Aries & Rhett Titus after hitting the Doomsday Device on Rhett Titus. Said to be a really good opener to the show.

    Kyle Durden is out to interview Christopher Daniels. They are addressing his upcoming World Title shot in Toronto. Daniels says “you may think you have the truth, but in this ring gospel trumps truth.” Homicide inturrupts the promo, and apparently has a low opinion of Cornette calling him a “gringo.”

    2. ROH World TV Title Match: Eddie Edwards successfully defends against the Necro Butcher pinning him with a small package. Crowd said to be very vocal in their suppot of Edwards and disapproval of the Embassy.

    3. Davey Richards defeats Shawn Daivari with a cloverleaf. There was no lead-in from the prior match.

    Cornette is in the ring now with Roderick Strong and Truth Martini to talk about Final Battle and his match with Richards (there goes any doubts about Daniels losing in Toronto).

    4. Daizee Haze vs. Sara Del Ray battle to a 10 minute, time-limit draw. Crowd said to be flat for this one.

    5. TV Main Event: The Kings of Wrestling defend the World Tag Team titles after hitting the European/Death Blow combo on Jon Davis. Clean victory, no elbow pad or interference

    Dark Match: Bobby Dempsey, Andy Ridge, & Mike Sydal defeated Colby Godwin, Bobby Shields, & Slyk Wagner Brown w/ Sly Stetson when Dempsey pinned Godwin with a bridging fallaway slam.

    Kyle Durden and a SHIMMER trainee are now in and around the ring tossing old merchandise into the crowd. Person sitting near higham picked up a free Larry Sweeney shirt.

    6. Winner Gets A TV Title Match: Colt Cabana rolls up Erick Stevens for the win after a failed interference attempt from Nana & Osiris. Cabana vs. Edwards tomorrow night.

    7. Kevin Steen defeats Grizzly Redwood after putting Generico’s mask on Grizzly hitting the package piledriver. Prior to the match Steen was using Generico’s mask as though it were a puppet.

    Post-match, Steen challenges Generico to a match at Final Battle. If Steen wins Generico unmasks. If Generico wins Steen leaves ROH. Generico comes out in an all black mask and accepts!!

    8. Kyle O’Reilly & Adam Cole defeated The Bravado Brothers via guillotine choke by O’Reilly on Harlem Bravado.

    9. Homicide beats Tony Kozina with the Cop Killa

    10. Holiday Gauntlet:

    Jay Briscoe & Steve Corino draw #’s 1 & 2
    Briscoe wins via schoolboy
    Jay Briscoe vs. Christopher Daniels
    Daniels advances, higham missed the finish
    Christopher Daniels vs. Rhett Titus
    Daniels over Titus via BME
    Christopher Daniels vs. Davey Richards
    Richards via headkick
    Davey Richards vs. Claudio Castagnoli
    Richards reverses a Riccola Bomb into a sunset flip to win
    Davey Richards vs. Chris Hero
    Richards wins with small package despite getting nailed with the loaded pad
    Davey Richards vs. Roderick Strong
    Strong beats Davey after the Sick Kick to win the Holiday Gauntlet and the accompanying $10k check

  • Changes to SmackDown, TTTT Update, New Rock Movie

    – As we reported here a few days ago, the WWE crew will not be flying overseas to Iraq this December for its annual “Tribute to the Troops” show. According to our sources, much of the WWE crew was actually relieved. While the WWE crwe ad no real problems with the Iraq trips, the constant flying on a cargo plane is something nobody will miss. There has been talks of doing a Tribute to the Troops show in the United States.

    – With WWE SmackDown’s move to SyFy, there are plans to add more of an “entertainment” aspect to the show.

    – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is rumored to play Sinbad in a new production of “Arabian Nights.” The WWE legend is in talks to star in the film directed by Chuck Russell, who also worked on Johnson’s first big hit, “The Scorpion King.”

  • Preview & Cover For Chris Jericho’s New Book “Undisputed”

    Amazon.com has updated its preview for Chris Jericho’s new book, Undisputed: How to Become the World Champion in 1,372 Easy Steps.

    Jericho put himself on the map as one of wrestling’s premiere authors with his first book “A Lion’s Tale,” which topped the New York Times Best Seller’s List in October 2008. Now .. he’s Undisputed:

    The eagerly awaited follow-up to the New York Times bestselling A Lion’s Tale documents Chris Jericho’s meteoric rise to wrestling glory in the WWE.

    A Lion’s Tale gave readers a portrait of Jericho as a young man. Fighting his way through Mexico, rinky-dink leagues and a battery of thieving, sleazy promoters/managers, the book ended with the author’s WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) debut. Never one to leave his fans hanging, as demonstrated by his recent return to wrestling glory, Jericho now tells the story of life in the big leagues. But “making it” in the premier wrestling league in the world comes with its own set of obstacles and hard lessons. Jericho, in his witty, hilarious, and surprisingly endearing manner, lays it all out: the good, the bad, and the spandex.

    “Undisputed” is set for release on February 16, 2011 and is being published by Grand Central Publishing.

  • Mick Foley Talks About Drugs & Concussions, Linda’s Campaign

    TNA star Mick Foley was interviewed by The Huffington Post this week about his new book, Countdown to Lockdown. Here are some highlights of what Foley said about:

    Linda McMahon’s Senate Campaign: “I was really kind of worried about seeing her because I hadn’t seen anybody since I’d left the WWE. I think she makes a good candidate, a very interesting candidate, and I know that her opponents want to make the issue about wrestling itself, and I think that’s a losing argument but it’s their only argument because it’s hard to refute somebody who’s been so successful in a really rough economic climate. I think she’s a good candidate because I think it’s less likely that she’ll participate in the partisan bickering that makes politics so frustrating for me to watch. She’s not looking to be a career politician, she doesn’t need the money, so she’ll probably be rushing back to the grandchildren instead of political fundraisers, and I just don’t think the McMahon in her is going to allow her to simply fall in line with party politics. Although she is running as a Republican, I don’t think she thrived in the busuness she was in without a fierce independent streak.”

    Concussions & Wellness: “I think things are constantly changing for the better. Everybody in wrestling is looking at the information coming in on concussions. Everyone from the NFL to the WWE to TNA to the youth soccer groups around the country are realizing that there are dangers that weren’t previously known. I think the environment is better, and I think people are more willing to admit when they’re hurt so they won’t be injured again.”

    Drugs In Wrestling & Andrew Martin’s Death: “I did like Test, and he was a guy I kept in touch with for years after we stopped working together. One of my regrets is that he left me a message a few weeks before he died and I guess at the time I thought I was too busy to return the call. To tell you the truth I did not even know he had a problem with pills. I think that’s by far the biggest problem facing wrestling, the painkillers and muscle relaxers, and because they are legal it’s much more difficult to crack down on them.”

  • WWE Survivor Series 2010 PPV Poster & Synopsis *Spoiler*

    WWE Survivor Series: November 21st on PPV

    Pay-per-view provider iNDEMAND has released the official promotional poster and synopsis for WWE Survivor Series 2010 on Sunday, November 21st and they appear to give away a big spoiler for Sunday’s Hell in a Cell event.

    This Sunday, John Cena wrestles Wade Barrett with the stipulation that if Cena wins, Nexus disbands and if Barrett wins, Cena joins Nexus.

    If the Survivor Series preview are any indication, Nexus won’t be going away any time soon. The Synopsis reads:

    “History collides with controversy as The Nexus takes on all comers at WWE Survivor Series. Don’t miss John Cena, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, and all your favorite WWE Superstars live on pay-per-view!”

    The poster features the Nexus group, including injured star Skip Sheffield (expected to be out until after the event) and Darren Young (who was eliminated from the group many weeks ago). While this promotional material is always subject to change, WWE hyping Nexus for the November PPV appears to give away the result for Sunday’s John Cena vs. Wade Barrett match..

  • Jim Ross Blogs About WWE’s Recent Ratings Decline

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com with a reaction to WWE’s recent ratings decline. Here’s what JR wrote:

    “Lots of talk about Monday Night Raw’s last couple of TV ratings and them being lower than normal. There are two primary reasons for this matter, in my opinion. Monday Night Football provides immense competition on cable TV on Monday nights. ESPN/ABC has a huge investment in the NFL and they spend countless hours promoting each Monday Night Football contest. MNF on TV is a right of passage in America. ESPN battles with the USA Network for ratings supremacy and popping big numbers on MNF is the key to ESPN’s success from September thru January. The flexible scheduling is much more amenable to strong football ratings and that did not exist years ago. Bottom line is that football has seemingly become America’s game of choice and MNF still has significant cache as a brand.”

    “Secondly, and this is the old promoter coming out in me, if the attractions are spot on and personal issues are hot enough to create ‘water cooler talk’ then more viewers are likely to tune into Raw. After doing approximately 600 episodes of Monday Night Raw, we knew we always had to battle MNF and even Nitro back in the day. We always strived to create compelling TV and to earn our share of the marketplace. We were fortunate that we had a deep roster of talented, experienced athletes who, in one form or another, clicked with the audience. WWE has some very talented individuals performing on Raw and some are involved in thought provoking storylines. But the biz in general needs new stars to become established ‘box office’ sensations and that simply doesn’t happen over night and honestly for some performers it will never happen.”

    “Personally, I see WWE going through somewhat of a transition period as it relates to the development of new, top talents. I still enjoy watching Raw each week to see how quickly these younger guys evolve and accept the personal responsibility and challenge of becoming a main event star that draws ratings and sells tickets and pay per views. I’ve said many times in this space that the journey from debuting on TV until a talent makes it to the next level, if they do make it, is 3-5 years and particularly starting from scratch and with little or no experience.”

    “Not having viable wrestling territories where a talent could ply their trade under a variety of philosophies and gain invaluable experience is a determent in today’s wrestling world when developing new stars. Does that mean that new stars can’t be developed? Of course not, but I do feel that the process to get from inexperience rookie to a PPV headlining main eventer is longer and more challenging.”

    “I’m very excited about many young, WWE talents and feel with confidence that some will be headlining major events in their career. The question that I can’t answer is exactly when that will occur but until then I will remain patient and continue to enjoy Raw and any other program WWE produces including Friday Night Smackdown which moves to Syfy and emanates from OKC this Friday night. We’re talking a TV show here folks that airs first run about 51 weeks a year and producing a ‘hit’ every week isn’t possible. Can all programs be better? Certainly? Should wholesale changes be implemented? Not in my opinion. Rebuilding a roster takes time.”

    “Bottom line is that I’m not nor do I encourage any one to consider pushing the proverbial panic button but I do feel that the lower TV ratings will motivate everyone in the process to try logical and different things while utilizing different people in unique scenarios.”

  • NXT Rating, Christian-Del Rio, Early RAW Preview & More

    – With WWE’s RAW and SmackDown now on NBC Universal owned TV stations, there more cross-promotion between the two shows. Expect to see angles begin on RAW and carry over to SmackDown on Fridays.

    – Tuesday night’s final episode of WWE NXT on SyFy scored a 0.7 cable rating with 964,000 viewers. This was the first NXT episode that averaged less than 1 million viewers and was the least-watched episode. Through 4 episodes of season three on SyFy, the show averaged 1.09 million viewers.

    – Monday’s RAW will take place from Wichita, Kansas and will feature guest host Johnny Knoxville. The post-Hell in a Cell show will include the early build for WWE Bragging Rights (10/24) and a continuation of the mystery RAW General Manager storyline.

    – Following Christian’s recent torn pectoral muscle injury, WWE was forced to end his feud with SmackDown new comer Alberto Del Rio. Christian will be out until at least the Royal Rumble and WWE has discussed resuming the feud when Christian returns.

  • Foley Comments On WWE Plug, Austin & Keibler On NBC & More

    – Mick Foley had the following to say regarding WWE plugging his book Monday night..

    “I guess you could call it the plug heard ’round the world. I actually almost missed it when Michael Cole first said my name, and didn’t really catch on until the King followed up on the Cole mention of the new book. Certainly, it was surreal; I don’t think there has ever been an instance of someone on an opposing show getting a shoutout from WWE. I guess there are alot of people speculating as to what Vince’s motives might be. I’m leaning toward the idea that Vince sometimes does things just to be nice, and that the winds must have been blowing in a favorable direction on Monday morning. I think Vince deep down genuinely likes me and respects me and was just trying to do what felt right to him.”

    – “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Stacy Keibler will be appearing on NBC’s Chuck on Monday at 8 PM ET. Austin returns as mercenary Hugo Panzer, while Keibler will play the undercover CIA operative Greta. Batista is also set to appear on the show later next month.

    – Radio host Howard Stern and the National Federation of Independent Business announced on Thursday that they are endorsing Linda McMahon in Connecticut’s US Senate race.

    – Sheamus will be at the FCW show on October 29th in Gainesville for a meet and greet. The show features a ladders and chairs match and a Halloween costume contest for fans.

    – The amateur wrestling movie Vision Quest and movie Over the Top starring Terry Funk are both currently available on Netflix Instant Watch.

  • Ken Anderson Talks About Leaving WWE, TNA vs. WWE

    In an interview with Alex Marvez of Scrippsnews.com, TNA star Ken Anderson talked about leaving WWE, saying that his bitterness toward WWE and “certain people there” ran so deep that he “wasn’t able to even look at it on TV for the longest time.”

    Despite the sour ending, Anderson looks back on his time in WWE fondly. “I’m very happy to have put in my time there.” said Anderson. “I wouldn’t be where I’m at in my life without that company. I have a lot of really amazing memories. I met some great people I still keep in contact with. Yeah, the last two years didn’t go the way I had planned. But I’m not going to whine about it. I’m going to move forward and try to turn the negatives into a positive.”

    Anderson, who starred in the WWE Studios film Behind Enemy Lines 3 and plans to continue acting, still loves wrestling and looks forward to raising the profile of TNA Wrestling.

    “I want to help TNA,” he said. “I know we’re a significant underdog in this whole picture. I don’t expect to be competing right now on the same level as a company that’s been around for 50, 60 years. But if we can take some of those (television) ratings points away from (WWE), that would be a great thing.”

  • Hulk Hogan Back In The Hospital Again With Another Video

    Hulk Hogan is back in the hospital after having an “electrical spinal cord stimulator” installed this to alleviate chronic pain.

    Read More: Hulk Hogan Posts Video After Having Spinal Surgery

    Hogan has posted yet another video from the hospital .. Hogan says he was supposed to have surgery on Friday to have the stimulator permanently installed in his back, but his doctor could not make it. Hogan is not as upbeat in this video as he’s been in the past, saying he will “try to make it through the weekend and make it ’til Monday.” He ends the video by saying, “We’re still trying to find out what’s wrong with my back. Stay tuned.”

  • Big Update On Sting’s Future In TNA & Possibly WWE

    To update Sting’s contract situation with TNA Wrestling, his current is set to expire at the end of the year.

    For the past several years, Sting has seriously considered retirement and has agreed to try “one more year” a few times now.

    So far, Dixie Carter has been able to convince him to keep wrestling with impressive offeres. It’s said that Sting has never been less interested in TNA than he is right, now but it’s hard to turn down the good money and limited schedule that TNA can give him.

    There is already tentative talk in WWE that if Sting does not re-sign with TNA, he would be invited by WWE to enter its Hall of Fame next year when WrestleMania is in Atlanta, former home of WCW. One source close to Sting says that a possible job with WWE won’t be a factor at all in his decision to stay with or leave TNA.

    Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • Hogan Lawsuit Over “Cocoa Pebbles” Commercial Settled (VIDEO)

    Hulk Hogan has reached a settlement with cereal manufacturer Post Foods LLC, according to Hogan’s attorney Joseph W. Bain.

    Hogan sued Post Foods back in May over a TV commercial for Cocoa Pebbles cerea, titled “Cocoa Smashdown” featured a blond-haired wrestler with a championship belt and Fu Manchu mustache that bore a striking resemblance to Hogan and was produced without Hogan’s knowledge or consent, according to the suit.

    The terms of the settlement are confidential, but the commercial will no longer be aired and the lawsuit is being dismissed.

    Hogan’s lawyer told TampaBayOnline.com, “Terry is happy to have it favorably resolved.”

    According to the federal lawsuit, Hulk “is shown humiliated and cracked into pieces with broken teeth, with the closing banner, ‘Little Pieces…BIG TASTE!’” He also claims that he has been harmed by “the unauthorized and degrading depictions in the Cocoa Smashdown advertisements.”

    The lawsuit says Post Foods never sought or received Hogan’s permission to use his likeness and ignored Hogan’s requests to discontinue the ads.

    Here is the commercial in question:

  • TNA iMPACT! Preview For Tonight: Abyss vs. Angle

    Here’s a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s episode of TNA iMPACT! on Spike TV:

    * Abyss vs. Kurt Angle: Steel Cage Match.

    * TNA TV champion AJ Styles vs. Brian Kendrick.

    * Ric Flair and Mick Foley go face to face.

    * Beer Money vs. Tommy Dreamer & Rhino.

    * Mr. Anderson vs. Samoa Joe.

    Also appearing are Rob Van Dam, Eric Bischoff, Sting, Kevin Nash, The Pope and more.

  • Paul Daley Vs. Scott Smith Official For Strikeforce 12/4

    NEW YORK (Sept. 29, 2010) – Two fighters who loathe decisions will collide when recent STRIKEFORCE signee Paul “Semtex’’ Daley (25-9-2) of Nottingham, England, meets power puncher Scott “Hands Of Steel’ Smith (17-7, 1 NC) of Elk Grove, Calif., in a featured welterweight (170 pounds) bout on Saturday, Dec. 4, at Scottrade Center in St. Louis live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

    Mixed martial arts superstar Dan Henderson will take on former STRIKEFORCE world champion Renato “Babalu” Sobral at light heavyweight (205 pounds) in the main event. Football legend and unbeaten MMA fighter, the amazing Herschel Walker (1-0), will be opposed by an opponent to be determined in a televised heavyweight bout. Popular St. Louis native Jesse Finney will take on a foe to be announced in the top non-televised undercard scrap.

    Daley is an exciting British bomber and freelance mixed martial artist whose style is a mix of striking, striking and more striking. Smith is a superb Muay Thai striker with tremendous one-punch knockout power. Neither is accustomed to putting in a full night’s work.

    Combined, the fighters have 42 victories, but only five of those wins have come via decision, and all five belong to Daley. Smith, a pro since June 2001, has never been triumphant on points.

    The world-ranked 5-foot-9, 27-year-old Daley scored a decision over Jorge Masvidal last Sept. 11. Prior to that, Daley’s last victory on points came on July 1, 2006.

    “I am a striker – there is no secret about that,’’ said the brash-talking Daley, a winner of two in a row and six of his last seven. “I like to knock people out aggressively and quickly. That’s my game and no opponent’s going to change that. Almost all my fights are exciting and memorable with non-stop action.’’

    Daley, who has compiled a highlight reel of impressive knockout victories, has competed against some of the best since turning professional in June 2003. Three of his most significant victories came against Masvidal, a 2:24, first-round KO (punches) over Dustin Hazelett on Jan. 2, 2010, and a 2:31, first-round TKO (punches) over Martin Kampmann on Sept. 19, 2009.

    “Everyone knows I detest decisions,’’ said the soft-spoken six-foot-tall, 31-year-old Smith, a proven finisher known for dramatic, stirring comebacks. He’s won all his fights by knockout or technical knockout – 12 in the first round. The fight with Daley will mark Smith’s first start at 170 pounds.

    “Fans want action all the time and so do I. That’s what I am all about.’’

    In his most recent start last June 26, Smith lost to former STRIKEFORCE World Middleweight (185 pounds) Champion Cung Le in a rematch, one fight after Smith handed Le the first loss of the San Jose-based Vietnamese star’s fight career with an astonishing comeback third-round knockout on Dec. 19, 2009. The dynamic Le had previously amassed a perfect, combined 22-0 record in professional MMA and kickboxing.

    Smith has fought some of the biggest names in MMA, including Le, Diaz, Robbie Lawler (twice) – their first fight was during the first-ever MMA primetime broadcast on the CBS Television Network) – Benji Radach, Dave Terrell, Patrick Cote, James Irvin, Jaime Jara and Pete Sell.

    A special ticket pre-sale for STRIKEFORCE; Henderson vs. Babalu for “STRIKEFORCE Insiders” began yesterday and will conclude tomorrow/Thursday, September 30 at 10 p.m. CT. Fans can sign up to become an “Insider” at STRIKEFORCE.com. Anyone who purchases tickets during the pre-sale period will receive a special $5 off discount.

    Tickets for the event go on sale to the public this Friday, Oct. 1, at 10 a.m. CT at Scottrade Center, online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone (800) 745-3000.

    Doors at Scottrade Center will open for the event at 6 p.m. CT. The first preliminary bout will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the first SHOWTIME televised main card fight will begin at 9 p.m.

  • Bret Hart Interviewed Backstage At MSG (Video)

    — This past Saturday, WWE hosted “Bret Hart Appreciation Night” at Madison Square Garden as part of its Smackdown World Tour. Bret “The Hitman” Hart returned to New York City after 13 years and fans got to experience a variety of matches including the Six-Man Tag Team Match, Diva Tag Team Match, and a New York Street Fight Match, among others. Wrestlers featured on the card included The Undertaker, Kane, The Big Show, CM Punk, Kelly Kelly and Michelle McCool.

    MSG.com had a chance to talk with “The Hitman” himself to discover more about Bret the Wrestler, Bret the Romantic, and Bret the hockey player. Find out what he had to say in their exclusive video interview here: