– Kelly Kelly noted on Twitter that her family was sitting front row at last night’s RAW in Miami and will be at tonight’s SmackDown in Tampa Bay. Kelly is from the area.
– Steve Austin, Kaval and Kofi Kingston took to Twitter after last night’s RAW to comment on the NXT invasion angle. Here’s what they wrote:
Kaval: “After what I just saw, I think Cena may need a little help handling NXT1….”
Kofi Kingston: “Looks like season 1 NXT rookies are trying to make a statement…”
Steve Austin: “well that was interesting.. that RAW ending reminds me of one time when we were filming The Condemned in Australia..on my day off i went swimming in the ocean…and was attacked by 23 great white sharks…the story gets very bloody and gory so i will not tweet the details..but i actually missed…one day of filming because i had to sew an arm and one of my hands back on..and i needed a day of rest so i could heal up 100%…anyhoo..we finished filming the Condemned and i still cant believe i didnt get an Oscar nomination for my turn as Jack Conrad..i was robbed.”
– In related news, “NXT Rookies” was a worldwide trending topic on Twitter last night.
– The Dudebusters came out and cut a promo but ended up arguing about who was better and got in a fight. Chris Masters came down and cleaned house. Chris Masters defeated Trent Baretta with the Masterlock in a quick match and the Dudebusters made up on the way back to the back.
WWE Superstars Tapings
– Gail Kim vs. Alicia Fox
– Zack Ryder & Primo vs. Goldust & Yoshi Tatsu
After RAW
– After RAW went off the air following the brutal attack by the NXT Rookies, the WWE crew attended to Justin Roberts, Jerry Lawler, Matt Striker and everyone else who was laid out. Based on emails we’ve received from fans who were at the show, the vibe was that this angle had a major impact – as the entire crowd was buzzing on the way out and more people stuck around than usual.
SEScoops.com correspondent Noah Mark is at tonight’s WWE RAW from Miami and just texted in word that WWE Survivor Series is back from the dead.
Survivor Series will take place from the American Airlines arena in Miami. Tickets will go on sale this Friday.
Vince McMahon had announced back in February at a WWE investor meeting that the event would be discontinued after over 20 years due to a weak buyrate and a “dated” conccept.
Update – Several readers from the Miami area have also sent in word that a commercial aired during Monday’s RAW confirming Noah Mark’s earlier report.
“Its the epic event you’ve been waiting for all year! This TNA fan favorite and wrestling classic is an edge of your seat thrill ride. Who will make history this year? Order and find out when TNA Wrestling presents “TNA: Slammiversary†live on June 13th, on Pay-Per-View!â€
TNA has confirmed Abyss vs. Desmond Wolfe and AJ Styles vs. Jay Lethal for this Sunday’s Slammiversary pay-per-view. Below is the updated card:
TNA World Title Match
Sting vs. Rob Van Dam
TNA X Division Title Match
Brian Kendrick vs. Douglas Williams
TNA Tag Team Title Match
Matt Morgan & TBA vs. The Band
New Orleans’ Nola.com has an article looking at the various movies shooting in the city, including several movies WWE Studios projects.
Aside from the Triple H comedy movie “Chaperones†starring Triple H, WWE also has several other New Orleans-based movies in development:
“Legendary.” Last fall, the fledgling WWE Studios came to town to shoot six films back-to-back-to-back in New Orleans in a novel strategy to reduce costs. On Sept. 10, Samuel Goldwyn — which specializes in limited releases of indie films — is expected to release the first one. “Legendary” (working title: “Brother’s Keeper”), stars Patricia Clarkson, Danny Glover and pro wrestler John Cena, in a dramatic comedy about a bookish teen who joins the school wrestling team in a bid to reunite his fractured family.
“Knucklehead.” The second in the WWE Studios slate, which wrapped in New Orleans in November, will also be handled by Samuel Goldwyn. It’s an action comedy starring Mark Feuerstein, Melora Hardin and pro-wrestler Paul “Big Show” Wight, in a story about a down-on-his-luck fight promoter who finds a potential meal ticket in an enormous handyman for a local orphanage. Expect it later in the fall.
“That’s What I Am” WWE Studios again, with a “Wonder Years”-style dramatic comedy that shot this spring in Jefferson under the working titles “Big Red” and “Big Ginger.” . It stars Ed Harris and Randy Orton in a drama about a middle-school kid and the invaluable life lessons he learns from a special teacher. No release date or distribution deal has been announced.
WWE issued a press release on Monday announcing that actor Phillip Larue (“Superbad”) and child actress Ariel Winter (“Modern Family”) have joined the cast of the new WWE Studios comedy, “The Chaperone,” which has Triple H in the lead role.
Triple H, who also stars in WWE’s “Inside Out,” plays Ray Bradstone, a skilled getaway driver for a team of bank robbers. Recently, however, Ray has been looking to leave the world of crime in order to become a good father for his daughter Sally (“Modern Family”‘s Ariel Winter) and make amends with his wife.
Struggling to find honest work, Ray reluctantly accepts a final gig with his old bank-robbing crew, led by Phillip Larue (Kevin Corrigan, “Superbad”). At the last moment, Ray backs out of the heist to serve as a chaperone for his daughter’s school field trip. Without Ray as part of the crime team, the robbery goes awry, and Phillip seeks vengeance against Ray, his daughter and an school bus full of children on route to the Museum of Natural History in New Orleans for a class trip.
“Ray must deal with Larue, while supervising Sally’s class on what becomes one of the craziest school trips ever.”
Stephen Herek (“Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure”) directs the film, which began principal photography this week in New Orleans, Louisiana.
– After the Undertaker suffered a broken orbital bone during his match with Rey Mysterio on the May 28th edition of WWE SmackDown, WWE ran a storyline on last week’s show to explain the Dead Man’s absence from television.
Teddy Long opened the show to announce The Undertaker was found by Kane in a vegetative state over the weekend. Druids come out signing and walking with a casket to the ring. Kane came out and said The Undertaker is gone from WWE. He vows to find out who did this to his brother and says he will hunt them down and make them pay. Later in the show, Rey Mysterio won a battle royal to earn the Undertaker’s vacated spot in the World Heavyweight title match at Fatal 4 Way later this month.
The Undertaker is expected to be out for several months due to this injury. The latest talk is that SummerSlam is an optimistic return date for the Undertaker’s return, but other plans will be made in case he needs more time off.
WWE issued the following press release this morning:
Hill Named Senior Vice President, Marketing
STAMFORD, Conn., Jun 07, 2010 — World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. announced that Eddie Hill will assume the role of Senior Vice President, Marketing, effective June 7, 2010. Hill will be responsible for providing strategic direction around WWE’s branding and promotions, television tune-in, pay-per-view events, network affiliate marketing, WWE Studios and market research. He will report directly to Michelle D. Wilson, Executive Vice President, Marketing.
Hill brings 18 years of experience as a marketing executive within the financial, sports and entertainment industries. He comes to WWE from American Express after he spent the last two years as Vice President/Head of U.S. Advertising & Global Agency Management and spearheaded the Are You A Cardmember? and Don’t Take Chances – Take Charge campaigns.
Prior to American Express, Hill was the Vice President of Marketing for Nickelodeon and Nick Movies. He has also held positions at ESPN and the Walt Disney Company.
“We are thrilled to have Eddie join WWE, bringing with him a great breadth and depth of valuable experience in the sports and entertainment industries,” said Michelle D. Wilson. “With Eddie’s skill set, we will continue to strategically market and grow the WWE brand across all of our global platforms.”
Hill received his B.S. in Business Administration degree from Georgetown University and his Masters of Business Administration from the Anderson Graduate School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW will be a special 3-hour broadcast from the American Airlines arena in Miami, Florida.
The cast of the new A-Team movie (including UFC star Quinton “Rampage” Jackson) will serve as the guest hosts of tonight’s show, which will feature superstars from both RAW and SmackDown, with a “Viewer’s Choice” theme.
Matches will be announced here later today. There will be voting on WWE’s official website where fans can choose the stipulation for each match, similar to the company’s “Cyber Sunday” pay-per-view.
The American Airlines arena has been advertising an 8-man dark match main event featuring John Cena, Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton and Big Show against Sheamus, Edge, CM Punk and Jack Swagger.
Check back later today for more on tonight’s matches and stipulations.
Here are some newsworthy items from this weekend’s WWE live events:
– WWE RAW superstar John Morrison returned to action this weekend after being away from the ring for several weeks due to an ankle injury. Morrison worked the live events this weekend, facing The Miz and R-Truth in Triple Threats for the United States Title. At Saturday’s event, Morrison defeated Miz in singles action.
– After teaming with John Cena (and getting the pin for his team) in the main event of last week’s WWE RAW, Evan Bourne’s push continued over the weekend. Bourne teamed with Cena again against Sheamus and Edge in the main events of the weekend shows and fan reports indicated that Bourne was put over strong.
– The Uso Twins worked the RAW live events over the weekend, losing to The Hart Dynasty. The Uso’s received mixed reviews from WWE’s agents, according to f4wonline.com.
– Finlay, who returned to WWE TV on this past Friday’s SmackDown, worked the SmackDown live events this weekend, defeating NXT season 1 Rookie Heath Slater.
– WWE Hall of Famer Mae Young was ringside at Sunday’s RAW live event from Columbia, South Carolina, but was not announced to the crowd.
– Matt Hardy is back to doing what he does best – posting cryptic messages on Twitter. Hardy has been making some noise as of late, saying that he’s underutilized, has nothing to lose and “doesn’t need the WWE.” He also told a fan:
“Deal is-there’s more reality than not on the stuff I’m saying & doing now on TV. Something has to change-either the WWE or me.”
– All of the season 2 NXT Rookies can now be found on Twitter. The season 2 Rookies’ Twitter nicknames are HuskyNXT, EliNXT, PercyNXT, TitusNXT, KavalWWE, LuckyCannon, MikeNXT and AlexNXT.
Read More: Follow 80+ Wrestlers & Divas on Twitter at PWTweets.com.
– As noted earlier, it’s expected that Wade Barrett will be joining the RAW brand. Barrett worked this weekend’s RAW live events, defeating Yoshi Tatsu.
– Another NXT season 1 Rookie, Justin Gabriel, also worked the SmackDown live events, losing to Chavo Guerrero.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR said about:
Returning To WWE: “Got my travel handled for the Fatal Four Way in the Nassau Coliseum coming up later this month. Looking forward to hanging in the back and helping where I can at my first WWE PPV where I will be in the locker room area since September of last year. I wonder if I can get my pal Taz to spring for dinner the night before the event, if he’s in town.”
Brock Lesnar’s Fight On 7/3: “I will be in Vegas on July 3 to see the Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin Heavyweight Title fight which has many close to Lesnar concerned and rightfully so. Carwin has allowed no one to survive outside the first round as best I know off the top of my head in compiling an undefeated record. Lesnar is still my pick to win this one but any thing can and likely will happen in this battle of big, strong, badass fighters. ”
NXT Season 2: “I’m curious to see if there are any significant tweaks on NXT this Tuesday night for the premier of season two. I’ve mentioned this before but being a fan of reality shows I would like to see the contestants interact in a non arena type setting more frequently. Will Michael Cole select another NXT rooked to haze or has that specific ship sailed?”
Shoot Interviews: “Pet Peeve of the Day….I find myself disliking the term ‘Shoot Interview’ and I can’t really explain why except that it denotes to me a ‘dirt fest’ from disgruntled individuals ready to embellish negative stories for a pay day. With that said, watching a compelling interview on DVD with a wrestler who has an interesting story to tell in more of a documentary form really interests me. Am I splitting hairs on this one. It is simply a matter of semantics?”
Here’s a preview for tonight’s Ring of Honor on HDNet broadcast, followed by a video recap from HDNet looking at the recent developments surrounding the ROH championship:
* ROH Champion Tyler Black vs. Austin Aries in a non-title match
– Jeff Hardy’s trial was scheduled to begin yesterday morning in Carthage, NC with Judge James M. Webb. No word yet on what happened in court.
– The feeling within TNA right now is that Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan won’t be leaving any time soon.
– Awesome Kong recently tried to trademark the Awesome Kong name so she could use it on the independent scene. Right now she’s using the Amazing Kong name until the issue is settled.
– Mr. Anderson’s recent babyface turn in TNA was a decision that was made just before the Sacrifice pay-per-view where he wrestled Jeff Hardy.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com Here are some highlights of what JR saida bout:
Edge Talking Retirement:Â “Interesting article in an Asheville, N.C. newspaper on Edge where he said he could see retiring in two years. I think many in Edge’s generation who have made big money, and he has, and have wisely saved and invested it, and I suspect that he has, will not hang around the business too long simply so that they can preserve what physical health that they can. Edge has had significant injuries in his illustrious career specifically his neck surgery and if asked, and I haven’t, I would advise him to call it a career sooner than later if he can financially afford it. Too many wrestlers have to stay longer than they need or should because of financial issues but I would be shocked if Edge even remotely comes close to that syndrome. Guys in Edge’s generation can easily take a look at previous generations of wrestlers to learn what NOT to do as it relates to their career and personal life style. Smart wrestles who work hard, get a break, and plan for their future by using a professionals help can often times comfortably retire from in ring wrestling by the time that they are in their 40’s.”
His WWE Status: “Emailers are congratulating me on my new ‘contract’ with WWE….I do not have a ‘contract’ but am a regular employee like many people who are not TV talents. That arrangement works just fine with me BTW. Plus, no one should feel badly that I’m not on weekly TV any longer. I don’t feel bad about it and neither should you. I feel confident that I will do selected, talent work with WWE in the future but just not on a weekly basis.”
Here’s a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown.
– There will be a major update on The Undertaker’s future after the injury he suffered last week. Much of the show will focus on the Undertaker’s situation.
-Â World Heavyweight Champion Jack Swagger vs. MVP.
-Â WWE Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston vs. Drew McIntyre.
-Â Rosa Mendes vs. Kelly Kelly.
-Â There will be a Battle Royal & the winner gets a World Heavyweight title shot.
ABC issued the following press release on 6/3 announcing that WWE superstar Chris Jericho will be the host of a new “high drama” game show this summer:
CHRIS JERICHO NAMED HOST OF “DOWNFALL,” THE HIGH STAKES AND HIGH DRAMA GAME SHOW PREMIERING JUNE 22 ON ABC
Courage and Smarts Play Against the Clock as Contestants Stand On the Edge of a High-Rise Building Trying to Win $1 Million + Prizes
Chris Jericho, a talented actor, television personality, radio host, rock star and WWE superstar wrestler, has been named as the Host of “Downfall.” The unique, high-stakes and adrenaline-pumping game show will put contestants on top of a 10-story building to see who has the focus and fearlessness to avoid his/her own ‘downfall’ — literally. Along the way, they’ll have the chance to win $1 million and a slew of incredible prizes, such as a pair of jet skis, a grand piano, a trip to Paris or a brand new car. The larger-than-life game show from FremantleMedia North America (“The Price Is Right,” “Family Feud,” “Let’s Make a Deal”) will premiere TUESDAY, JUNE 22 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on ABC.
Jericho has established himself as a multifaceted performer. Most recently he completed his first book, A Lion’s Tale: Around the World in Spandex, in which he chronicles, with a witty and humorous narrative, his rise in the wrestling business and the pitfalls of the industry. He made the cross-over to film with lead roles in the feature films “Android Apocalypse” and “Albino Farm.” He also appeared on stage before sold-out crowds and received standing ovations when he starred in the hilarious Norm Foster play, “Opening Night,” at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. In addition, Jericho has been invited to appear as a regular guest performer with legendary comedy troupe The Groundlings in the all-improv show, “Cookin’ with Gas.” On TV he starred in the comedy pilot “Ebaum’s World” for USA Network.
Jericho’s knack for comedy is obvious in his regular appearances on VH-1 and E!, lending his talent as a panelist or guest. He’s appeared on over a dozen shows, including G4TV’s “Attack of the Show” and “Filter”; E!’s “Biggest Celebrity Oops” and “Best Week Ever”; plus the “I Love the 70s, 80s and 90s” (and soon to be released 00s) series for VH1. Other recent guest appearances include “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “The Howard Stern Show,” “The Late, Late Show” and “Larry King Live.” Jericho also guest hosted “The Best Damn Sports Show Period,” “MadTV” and “Headbanger’s Ball” on MTV2.
Jericho began wrestling at age 19 and is considered one of the most popular wrestling champions in history. In 2001 he was the first-ever Undisputed Champion of the WWE and is the only performer to have held six different titles in the 44-year history of World Wrestling Entertainment.
For “Downfall,” the six-episode series will be played atop the roof of a downtown Los Angeles high-rise, where contestants will try to answer a series of trivia questions against the clock. Fabricated facsimiles of prizes will be placed on the largest conveyor belt ever seen on TV, with a pile of cash at the end ranging from $5,000 to $1 million. In each round, players will try to answer all the questions before their prizes and cash go over the edge, off the roof and crashing 100 feet to the street below. If the cash goes off the roof, the game is over and that player is eliminated. Each player also risks going over the side of the building — but in this case wearing a decelerator harness to soften the fall.
— In an interview with North Carolina’s Citizen Times newspaper, WWE RAW superstar Edge revealed that the injures he’s suffered in recent years have shortened his career and he doesn’t see himself wrestling more than two years. Edge said:
“I’m coming up on my 20th year, and I’ve definitely had some injuries that have shortened my career. That’s part of the reason I bought up here — we want to retire and listen to the wind in the trees, and we want to do it fairly soon. I may have two more years. With each injury, it’s harder and harder to come back.â€
– WWE NXT Season 2 rookie Michael McGillicutty, son of the legendary Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig, posted a message on Twitter explaining why he decided not to use the Hennig family name:
“A lot of folks are asking about my “name”. Lets face it: Michael McGillicutty is the next generation of the WWE, the next World Champion…While on the other hand Joe Hennig was simply the son of Mr. Perfect…I will make a mark in the WWE & on NXT by MYSELF, not my name.”
Here are spoiler results for TNA iMPACT set to air tonight, courtesy of Tim Capture and Wrestlingnewsworld:
* Sting is out. He says not everything is as it seems. Coming from him it might seem ironic but there’s a lot of smoke and mirrors going on. He’s been in this place before where he needs to defend his reputation. He feels he doesn’t have to. He’ll reveal the meaning of his actions soon enough. He doesn’t know RVD that well and RVD doesn’t know him that well. RVD was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. When he takes the title from RVD the curtain will be pulled back and everyone exposed. The arena goes dark and footage of Sting’s recent action plays on the screen. Eric Bischoff comes out using a crutch with Miss Tessmacher. He has the spotlight put on Sting. He’s known Sting a long time and he thinks Sting’s trying to prove to people that he’s a superhero for so long he’s lost sight of the truth. It’s not about him, it’s about the company, not just one person. It’s about the action and tonight he’ll be in action. Samoa Joe sneaks in behind Sting and Bischoff announces him as Sting’s opponent. Joe attacks Sting but Matt Morgan runs down and attacks Joe. Sting and Morgan beat on Joe till RVD runs down for the save. Bischoff says this isn’t over and will continue later as a tag match. Samoa Joe & RVD vs. Sting & Matt Morgan. RVD gets on the mic and says hang on, every guy out here is in it for himself. He asks that the match be changed to a four way. Bischoff says he doesn’t have that authority, then Hogan’s music hits and out comes Hogan. He says RVD is the champ and that gives him some pull around here so you’ve got it brother, this match is a four way.
* Rosie Lottalove (new acquisition Mary Kate Duignan) vs. Roxxi. During the match, Madison Rayne runs down and gives Roxxi a belt shot while the ref isn’t looking. Rosie doesn’t like it and argues with Madison. During this Roxxi schoolgirls Rosie for the win. Afterwards JB interviews Rosie and asks what was going on. She says if Madison thinks she can take out all the ugly people one at a time she’s got another thing coming because she’s big, she’s bad, she’s beautiful and she’s got a whole lot of love for everybody. She lays a big kiss on JB and leaves.
*AJ Styles w/Ric Flair vs Kazarian vs Jay Lethal. Winner via quick roll up, Jay Lethal. The whole match AJ and Kazarian were arguing over who does cooler moves or what to do next to Lethal. Lethal got the win while they were arguing.
* Afterwards Flair gets in the ring and yells at AJ. He gave AJ the honor of being his protege and he gets beat by Jay Lethal? He tells him to go home and think about who he wants to be because right now he’s not in Ric’s good graces. He continues belittling AJ and telling him to go home and make a lifetime decision. On his way to the back Angle comes out and gets in AJ’s face. AJ yells some things at him and leaves. Angle heads to the ring. He gets a mic and says he came to show Kazarian the proper respect before he makes him his first victim. He likes to let his opponents know what he’s going to do to him. He plans to retain his belt and Kaz is #10 so at Slammiversary he’s his opponent. Flair asks if he realizes he just past by him? He says he wants his son Reid to be like Angle, the greatest amateur wrestler. Flair came to Angle for help and out of respect Angle did. But now they’re in Flair’s world and whatever Angle did as an amateur he’s done 10 times over. In wrestling he’s a god. He gives Hogan respect, he gives Sting respect and until Angle realizes that he gives him no respect. He tells Angle to leave. He says show him respect and leave before he takes his sport coat off. He says hang on and show me respect and let him show how a god acts. Angle holds the ropes open for Flair and then attacks Flair on the way out. Kaz tries to attack Angle but he tosses him out of the ring.
* Matt Morgan vs. Sting vs. Samoa Joe vs. Rob Van Dam. Hernandez showed up in the stands and distracted Morgan. Samoa Joe grabbed Morgan and gave him a Musclebuster. RVD then hit Joe with a top rope sidekick and then gave Morgan a 5 star frog splash for the win. Afterwards Joe and RVD had words and left.
Taped Wednesday:
*Chrisy Hemme in the ring. She brings out Mr. Anderson to talk Slammiversary. He was looking forward to coming out for a hard hitting interview, but he’s too distracted (he’s staring at her breasts). That doesn’t make him a chauvinist, that makes him an a–hole. Everybody in the crowd called him an a–hole but they’re hoping for a wardrobe malfunction so they’re a–holes too. He has a big announcement and that is that he saw Beer Money didn’t have opponents at Slammiversary and it’s not a party without Jeffrey Nero Hardy so it’s him and Jeff vs. Beer Money. Hardy comes out and says people wonder why he’s teaming with Anderson but Anderson is the funniest a–hole he’s ever met. Anderson says he’s an a–hole but he’s also a cheap a–hole so BYOB. Out comes Beer Money. Robert Roode says this is cute, TNA’s newest BFFs. Roode asks what either of them know about tag team wrestling? Sure, Hardy had a short run with his brother but his brother carried him the whole time. Tag team wrestling is about being a team, like a brotherhood. They’re not a team, they’re a moron and an a–hole. Roode asks why they think they can step in the ring with them? Anderson asks why Roode’s hair is always wet? And why does Storm always wear shades indoors? The only people who wear shades indoors are blind people and jackoffs. This leads to a brawl. Security keeps trying to break it up but it takes a while.
* JB says TNA management has said a match must happen right now so we get: Jeff Hardy vs. James Storm. Winner via Swanton Bomb, Jeff Hardy.
* Robert Roode vs. Mr Anderson. Winner via holding the ropes after sitting down during a sunset flip, Robert Roode. They need to do this as he’s no mere mortal but he’s MR. ANDERSON…ANDERSON. Afterwards, Anderson says any man can be beaten on any given day. He also says the only reason they can beat him is by under-handed tactics and tomfoolery.
* Desmond Wolfe & Orlando Jordan vs. Abyss w/Chelsea & Rob Terry. Winner via chokeslam from Terry to Jordan, Rob Terry & Abyss.
New Jersey’s Independent Wrestling Federation sent out the following press release on Wednesday announcing that WWE signed one of their wrestlers, “Fady The Arabian Bull”:
Fady the Arabian Bull signs with World Wrestling Entertainment in June 2010, and begins training at Florida Championship Wrestling in July 2010.
Chiseled out of pure granite, Fady The Arabian Bull has put everyone in the IWF on notice. When Fady enters the ring, he is like a runaway locomotive out to derail anyone and anything that stands in his way. He is one of the most powerful athlete’s to step foot inside an IWF ring. He enjoys using his size and strength to his advantage and is able to overpower opponents and manhandle them at will. This tough behemoth is not going to stop his path of destruction until he goes through the entire IWF roster. Proud of his Syrian heritage, he’s as indestructible as Superman, and it won’t be long before championship gold is around his waist.
Fady began training at IWF Wrestling School in August 2007 and graduated from the program in September 2009. Is the current IWF Heavyweight Champion.
– Monday’s episode of WWE RAW drew a 3.2 rating and averagaed 4,525,000 viewers. The show did hours of 3.11 and 3.32. (Credit: PWInsider.com)
– It’s expected that Wade Barrett will be joining the RAW brand.
– Speaking of Barrett, he and David Otunga were tending topics on Twitter last night.
– WWE sent out an alert yesterday reminding fans that this coming Monday’s RAW in Miami will begin at 7:30pm. Some tickets printed have a start time of 8:15pm but since it’s a three-hour RAW, the show is starting earlier.
– WWE officials have been going back and forth on the idea of having one or two Money in the Bank briefcase matches at July’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view. There is also talk of putting CM Punk and a babyface in the World Heavyweight Title match against Jack Swagger, if he is still Champion then.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. In this entry, Ross talks about WWE NXT season 1 winner Wade Barrett, how Season 2 is shaping up, a new WWE video game concept and more.
Wade Barrett Winning NXT: “No surprise that Wade Barrett won NXT Tuesday night live in Dallas. Looked like about 10,000 in the AAC. Just as an interested bystander, I would like to see William Regal mentor Barrett at the outset. Something about that pairing that intrigues me. Barrett has the look of a young Billy Robinson one of t”he all time badass hookers who trained in Wigan and who once wrestled the legendary wrestler Jack Brisco all night in an Australian hotel room.Â
Season 2 of NXT: “I’m looking forward to season two of NXT and am anxious to see how many new ‘tweaks’ will be utilized. Strictly speaking as a fan I would love to see some of the ‘Tuf Enough’ elements utilized from time to time including the whole crew living in a dorm-like setting. ”
“Some of the names the NXT rookies have been anointed with are eye brow raisers like Curt Hennig’s son Joe is now going to be called McGillicutty. Help me with this one. I understand protecting one’s intellectual property but McGillicutty? Wasn’t that Lucille Arnez’ maiden name on ‘I Love Lucy?’ Bottom line is if the kid is any where close to his dad he can be called any thing he wants.”
“Kaval has unique skills and is hungry for success, that I know. If he doesn’t make it in WWE he should go to Hollywood and use those pipes of his in animated films. Being mentored however by Layla and Michelle McCool will be different.”
New WWE Video Game: “It looks like WWE has lined up a really cool, THQ video game for me to work on and that I will likely be broadcasting along side the King in the game where Legends compete with active Superstars. I’m not sure of the release date or the creative details, etc but the concept, as explained to me, was really cool. I hope to begin my voice overs in the next week or two. We’re burning daylight on this one and need to get rocking. I’m ready! ”
Describing Vince McMahon: “An emailer asked me to describe Vince McMahon in three words. So many words come to mind but to prevent from being moved from the pasture to the feedlot I will go with….”Very, Very, Rich.”
Thanks to Kerri P. and Wrestlingnewsworld for these SmackDown spoilers for Friday night:
* Teddy Long comes out to open the show. He says The Undertaker was found by Kane in a vegetative state over the weekend. Cue the opening video and the pyrotechnics.
* Druids come out signing and walking with a casket to the ring. Kane comes out and says The Undertaker is gone from WWE and he vows to find out who did this to his brother. He says he will hunt them down and make them pay.
* World Heavyweight Champion Jack Swagger vs. MVP. Swagger comes out wearing an Oklahoma University jersey. Swagger b. MVP with a roll-up. After the match, Vance Archer and Curt Hawkins attack MVP.
* Backstage, Vickie Guerrero asks Teddy Long who will replace The Undertaker in the main event match at WWE Fatal 4-Way. She suggests Dolph Ziggler. Long says there will be a battle royal tonight and the winner will replace him in the match.
* Kelly Kelly and Tiffany are shown backstage talking about how they hate Michelle McCool.
* CM Punk is shown adjusting his mask backstage. Kane storms in and asks him if the Straight Edge Society had anything to do with what happened to The Undertaker.
* A video is shown of last week recapping Drew McIntyre’s feud with Matt Hardy. Kofi Kingston vs. Drew McIntyre for the WWE Intercontinental Championship is up now. Matt Hardy comes through the crowd and holds up a ticket before taking a seat at ringside. Matt Hardy gets involved and ends up taking a cheap shot from McIntyre. Hardy tries to retaliate and the distraction is enough for Kofi to hit SOS to get the pinfall and retain the title. Hardy finally jumps Drew after the match and escapes over the barricade. Security chases him off.
* Backstage, Rey Mysterio is shown. Kane comes in and asks him if he had anything to do with what happened to The Undertaker.
* A Tribute to the Troops video is shown.
* World Heavyweight Champion Jack Swagger out for a promo. He says OU gets no love in Dallas. He starts signing the Oklahoma Sooners fight song. He can barely be heard he’s drawing so much heat. Kane comes out and takes him out.
* Rosa Mendes vs. Kelly Kelly. Layla and Michelle McCool watch the match from the top of the ramp. Kelly Kelly won after hitting her finisher. A stare down ensues between Kelly Kelly and McCool & Layla.
* Backstage, Kane is shown yelling at Big Show.
* Battle royal for The Undertaker’s spot at WWE Fatal 4-Way. The match includes Rey Mysterio, Dolph Ziggler, MVP, JTG, Christian, Finlay, Drew McIntyre, The Dudebusters, Chris Masters, Chavo Guerrero, Curt Hawkins, Vance Archer, Luke Gallows, Kofi Kingston, Kane and pretty much everyone that isn’t a Diva. CM Punk and Serena are at ringside. Rey goes under the rope at Punk, Gallows goes under bottom at Mysterio. Punk leaves ringside. Dudebusters, JTG, Masters, Kofi, McINtyre, Ziggler, Christian, Chavo, MVP, Archer, Hawkins, Finlay, Gallows are all eliminated in that order. It comes down to Kane and Rey Mysterio. Mysterio wins the battle royal and the spot in the match.
