– At Thursday’s WWE live event at Madison Square Garden in New York City, WWE backstage worker Michael Hayes stumbled over the top rope while entering the ring for a segment with a Big Show and Booker T. It was believed to be on a purpose, since Roman Reigns similarly stumbled during a live event last month in Dublin, Ireland, which CM Punk mocked at the following Monday’s Raw event in Manchester, England.

Video: Roman Reigns Falls While Entering The Ring At Live Event

A fan in attendance managed to capture footage of Hayes’ fall.

– The official WWE website has issued a poll on Daniel Bryan’s best match of 2013. His match against John Cena at SummerSlam, which saw him capture the WWE Championship, currently leads at 47%. It is trailed by his partnership with Kane and The Undertaker against The Shield on the Apr. 22 Raw (14%) and a Street Fight against Randy Orton on June 24 (11%).

– As reported earlier, Lisa Maria Varon, famously known as Victoria, attended Thursday’s WWE live event at the AllState Arena in Chicago, Illinois as a fan. One WWE employee would like to see the former Women’s Champion return to their ring.

“You should be experiencing them from the ring,” Joey Styles, WWE’s VP of Digital Media Content, wrote to Varon on Twitter in response to her message noting that it was her first WWE experience in the audience.

– In this edition of The JBL & Cole Show, Michelle Beadle stops by, fans find out how Michael Cole got a black eye, and Cody Rhodes leads the WWE roster in the first ever JBL & Cole Show World Championship Bowling Tournament.

– The latest issue of WWE Magazine (cover-dated January 2014) features the 2013 WWE Magazine Awards and the entertainment abilities of The Prime Time Players were recognized with the “Best Use Of The WWE App” Award.

“We take pride in being one of the most entertaining tag teams and personalities collectively and individually that this company has to offer. Our job is to bring it,” remarked Darren Young. “The PTP didn’t land on the WWE App, the WWE App landed on The PTP.”

– Should the legendary Hulk Hogan be unable to compete alongside John Cena at WrestleMania XXX on April 6, 2014 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, one scenario being discussed for the WrestleMania 30 main event would be John Cena facing Bray Wyatt.

WWE chief Vince McMahon recently stated to the writers and producers that “Cena is the main event until his time is clearly up. That man feeds us!”

– It was announced at tonight’s WWE live event at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois that Raw will be held at the venue on Monday, March 3, 2014. A Ticketmaster.com pre-sale is underway now through January 2, 2014 with WWERAW as the password.

– The latest issue of WWE Magazine (cover-dated January 2014) features the 2013 WWE Magazine Awards and Goldust was honored with the “You Still Got It” Award for his extraordinary comeback at the age of 44.

“I’ve been busting my butt in the gym and staying focused, because that’s what it’s about,” he remarked. “I know that I can still go with the youngest and best Superstars on the roster right now. The Royal Rumble was very special. And nothing touched it until my brother and I became Tag Team Champions. I’ve been wrestling for 25 years and that might be the biggest moment of my career.”

– WWE’s long-running Authority storyline is currently scheduled to climax at WrestleMania XXX on April 6, 2014 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, with Triple H facing CM Punk in a singles match. However, there is also the possibility of Roman Reigns facing “The Game” at the pay-per-view event spectacular, as the 28-year-old is currently slated as a “back-up plan.” In recent weeks, WWE has teased a Reigns babyface turn.

– Though most of WWE’s business metrics have either gone down or remained almost identical in recent years, traffic to the official WWE website has greatly increased. Through November, WWE.com has averaged 15.1 million viewers per month. This is up 31.3% from the year before, which averaged 11.5 million visitors on a monthly basis.

Despite the great increase in web traffic, this has not accordingly translated to sales increases on WWEShop.com. Merchandise sales are only up 3.5%, from 903 in 2013 to 935 this year.

– Antonio Thomas, who appeared for WWE in 2005 and 2006, discusses his tenure with the company and career on the independent wrestling circuit in the latest edition of Colt Cabana’s Art Of Wrestling podcast. The podcast also features a happy holidays message from CM Punk. The synopsis for the show is as follows: “One half of WWEs Heartbreakers. With just a short run on TV, its interesting to see how a wrestler recovers and continues in the wrestling industry. Antonio is still a force on the independent scene. Plus Colt, Cliff and Punk wish everyone happy holidays.”

It can be accessed here.

Besides WrestleMania 29, which is annually WWE’s top video release, WCW nostalgia has been driving WWE’s DVD sales.

According to WWE business numbers released last week, WCW titles rank as the second, third and fourth top WWE video releases of 2013. Through the end of November, the most shipped DVDs have been WrestleMania 29 (174,000), The Best of WCW Monday Nitro, Vol. 2 (121,000), WWE: Goldberg – The Ultimate Collection (86,000), WCW War Games: WCW’s Most Notorious Matches (80,000), WWE: The Top 25 Rivalries in Wrestling History (64,000) and WWE: For All Mankind- The Life and Career of Mick Foley (59,000).

It should be noted that the Goldberg DVD had only been out for less than two months, with 74,000 sold in the first month. It greatly outsold the Triple H video released two weeks prior, Triple H – Thy Kingdom Come, which was not ranked as a top-seller.

As of late, actual sales have hovered around the 60% mark of total shipments.

The DVD market appears to be declining, with shipments of WrestleMania and other top WWE-themed titles being significantly down compared to the year before. The top WWE DVD releases at the same point in 2012 were WrestleMania XXVIII (236,000), The Rock: The Epic Journey of Dwayne Johnson (150,000), CM Punk – Best in the World (114,000, released in October), WWE: Undertaker – The Streak (102,000), WWE: The Greatest Superstars of WrestleMania (96,000), nWo: The Revolution (94,000, released in November) and Royal Rumble (89,000).

WWE has plans to release more titles featuring the best of World Championship Wrestling. WrestlingDVDNews.com reported last week that WWE’s upcoming WCW’s Greatest Pay-Per-View Matches Vol. 1 DVD and Blu-ray, which is scheduled for release on March 11, 2014, will be the first title released in a series highlighting the greatest WCW matches on pay-per-view.

– Former WWE developmental talent Ivelisse Vélez says her father is missing after last being seen in Chicago, Illinois.

She wrote on Facebook Christmas Day with a photo enclosed, “ATTENTION EVERYONE. MY FATHER LUIS VELEZ HAS BEEN MISSING FOR THREE DAYS. HE WAS LAST SEEN IN THE CHICAGO AREA OF ASBURY PLAZA. PLEASE SHARE AND REPOST THIS TO TRY TO FIND HIM. IF ANYONE SEES HIM PLEASE CONTACT THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS: 773.286.3749 or 773.733.6927! PLEASE ;(.”

– According to The I.P.A. Network, the former Kelly Kelly, Barbie Blank, will be appearing at the Niagara Falls Comic Con taking place June 6-8, 2014 at the Scotiabank Convention Center in
Ontario, Canada. Ric Flair, Demolition, Brian Blair and Jim Brunzell will also be on hand for the event.

– The latest edition of WWE en Espanol, with Carlos Cabrera and Marcelo Rodríguez discussing last week’s WWE events, is now online.

– A photocopy of Maven Huffman’s contract with WWE is currently being auctioned off on eBay.

Following Huffman’s 2005 departure from WWE, the contract, as well as the trophy he was awarded for winning Tough Enough in 2001 and other WWE items, wound up in a storage unit in Virginia (his home state). Huffman, however, stopped paying the bill, and the storage unit and its contents were sold to a man for $100. The man reached out to Huffman to return his possessions, but heard nothing back. He then turned to eBay and sold some of the possessions, including the original contract and the trophy (the trophy sold for $600).

To view the auction, click here.

As far as Huffman’s whereabouts are concerned, mixed martial arts journalist and wrestling fan Ariel Helwani revealed in September via Twitter that he was working at a sports bar in New York City.

– Konnan is apparently no longer on good terms with R-Truth, who he teamed with in TNA Wrestling as members of 3Live Kru.

Earlier this week on Twitter, a wrestling fan who is father, made note of his toddler son selecting a Mattel R-Truth action figure for Christmas. Konnan responded to the fan with the following: “He has bad taste..#AhCmonNow.”

The former WCW United States Champion also continues to slam Curtis Axel on the social media platform. In response to a user writing “[Curtis Axel’s Twitter handle] > [Konnan’s Twitter handle],” he wrote, “Are u referring to da guy dat went from IC champ to teaming w/Ryback 2 now doing jobs for SinCara2.0?..#Awesome.”

Gene Snitsky appeared on the v2 Wrestling Podcast and was asked a range of questions about his five-year tenure with WWE that started with an infamous “baby killing” angle. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

On his debut when he knocked Kane into Lita, causing her to miscarry: “The whole storyline was kind of cool I thought. It was so different, it was pushing the envelope. Let’s be realistic, everything’s been done in wrestling that can be done, and back then it wasn’t as corporate so you could get away with a little more. Nowdays, that storyline would never ever be able to take place. A lot of people don’t realize, it was only supposed to be that one incident, and I was then gonna go back to OVW and keep training until they brought me back up. But it got such a reaction that it took off and had a mind of its own, so they rolled with it. I knew it was gonna be good as soon as I hit him with the chair and he fell on her, the whole crowd started chanting “baby killer”. When that happened, I was like, This is great, this is gonna be good.”

On the angle where he punted a baby doll: “I don’t remember exactly who came up with it, but I remember rehearsing it with everybody involved and Vince was very adamant on me kicking the baby doll, and he’s like “You better not f— it up”. And I was like “Don’t worry Vince, I’m not gonna f— it up, I was an all-area punter on my football team in high school. I ain’t gonna f— it up, trust me”. So after we did it and it came off so good, I remember coming back through the curtain and he gave me a standing ovation. The thing that surprised me was that it stayed in once piece; i thought for sure that the head would have popped off it or something. The little brat took it like a champ!”

On his infamous encounter with Heidenreich: “I don’t think two guys ever pulled off a creepier, more homoerotic backstage segment in the history of wrestling.”

On being in the company for the rise of John Cena and Batista: “If the writers want to push a certain character, or Vince wants to push a certain character, they’re getting thrown to the top, whether you like it or not. Once Vince picks his guy and goes with him, he’s gonna go with him. When they made me shave my head and paint my teeth, it was Vince’s idea. Once Vince gets an idea, you do it.”

On why he left WWE: “Basically it was just creative differences. I didn’t like the direction my character was going, and for about six months I would go back and forth with the writers. They were always real big on incorporating your input, so I’d shoot them ideas, and week after week they’d get shot down, and I didn’t really like how they were taking it. It just got to the point where it was best to part ways, but I left on good terms.”

On whether he watches the current WWE product: “I DV-R it every week, and I sort of keep up with it but I fast forward through a lot of it. A lot of it’s too normal for me. I’ve always been an off-the-wall guy, going back to high school, I was always the guy who would do anything to get a reaction. Going to parties and running through walls and stuff like that. To me, that’s fun. The stuff that you see guys doing now is kind of boring if you ask me. They don’t do anything out of the ordinary any more.”

On his foot fetish: “I always liked Torrie Wilson, she was always one of my favorites, and we still joke about it. I’d always tell her, you have such nice feet, and she’d just kind of chuckle. But we’re still friends, I did some bodyguard work for her boyfriend Alex Rodriguez so I still keep in touch with her, she’s really cool. There’s a lot of them that have nice feet, but you don’t walk around backstage and say ‘Can I suck your toes?!'”

The audio interview is available here.

In WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross’ latest column, he offers his thoughts on the possibility of broadcasting again for WWE, fan speculation over Sting facing The Undertaker at WrestleMania, and Jeff Hardy.

Whether he would consider broadcasting for WWE again: “Yes I’d consider broadcasting again and feel motivated to do so but it takes two to Tango and most companies aren’t looking to hire 61 year old guys with Bells palsy. I never let my facial paralysis define me but unfortunately some companies do along with the stigma that being a long time ‘pro wrestling guy’ has to some narrow minded, uncreative decision makers.”

Will he boycott WrestleMania?: “I’m sorry if I offend some who think that I’m boycotting WM30 because of my own, admitted, lofty ego, but any talent being a part of any event is largely up to the promotion. If a promotion extends an offer and the talent roadblocks it, then that’s another story. I’m not boycotting any offer to broadcast anything if it’s a win-win arrangement. At this stage of the game, it has to be fun and something where I can be myself behind the mic.”

Fan speculation of Sting facing The Undertaker at WrestleMania 30: “I get daily questions on whether a Sting vs. Undertaker match at WrestleMania is ever going to happen. I have no answer to that query but I can say that it’s seemingly fish or cut bait time as the window off opportunity is rapidly closing on an attraction that fans have been clamoring for years.”

Jeff Hardy: “Yep…I’m a wrestling fan and I enjoy sampling TNA occasionally. Really liked seeing Jeff Hardy last week. Jeff is still a top hand in anyone’s company.”

Much more is featured in his post, including thoughts on “Stone Cold” Steve Austin wrestling again, working alongside Paul Heyman, who he wants to see inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014, and Ring of Honor. To read his full post, click here.

It appears now that WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee will not be punished for her obscenity-laced tirade against NBC Universal personality Michelle Beadle at last week’s Tribute to the Troops event at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Pierce County, Washington. According to F4WOnline.com, the matter is “over and done with” after Lee and WWE Superstar boyfriend, CM Punk, were spoken to.

After news of the incident caught fire online Sunday, WWE hit damage control in order to downplay the story and keep it from being reported by the mainstream media since the idea of a wrestler behaving abusive toward a celebrity “is the exact last thing they want public.” Organization officials asked Beadle—one source in WWE said “begged”—to go on Twitter and “say what happened and leave it at that.”

She wrote, “Once and once only: I’ve known CM Punk for years. Considered him a friend. When I saw him at the arena, I said ‘hey f&$?face’. The exact same way I talk to everyone. His girlfriend was no where near this. And I kept walking along with my assistant and two members of WWE PR. Next thing I know, I’m being yelled at. I honestly thought it was a joke. Period. The event went on and it was amazing. So I hope we can move on from this ridiculously lame ‘story.’ As for the crazies, BLOCKED! And Happy freaking Holidays!!!”

Beadle and Punk dated for a brief period of time, with one person with knowledge of the situation describing their dating period as “a second” to F4WOnline.com.

Punk confided to people close to him that he was unhappy with WWE’s handling of the matter. The day after the incident, he stated on Twitter, “It’s difficult to always try to do business the proper way with a company that refuses to practice the same standards.” Despite this friction, those close to him don’t expect him to bolt from the promotion, nor would company officials want him to.

In a separate matter, some company officials were upset with Punk for tweeting about hockey on Sunday, since it was the day of a pay-per-view. After news of the incident surfaced, he directed a number of messages to the mascot of the Los Angeles Kings.

– Following Randy Orton’s relatively lackluster 2012 that saw him win no major championships and put his career at risk with a second drug testing violation, “The Viper” returned to form in 2013 with multiple title reigns and becoming the “Face of WWE.” The latest issue of WWE Magazine (cover-dated January 2014) features the 2013 WWE Magazine Awards and the reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion was voted by fans as “Best Return To Form.” This is being attributed to Orton showcasing his “remorseless, sadistic side,” which he enjoys.

“Being a bad guy is just more fun,” remarked Orton. “Otherwise you worry too much about what the fans think of you. It’s a worry I don’t like to have. I’d rather be myself and explore different ways I can make people feel uneasy even just by walking by and glaring at them.”

– WWE NXT’s final event last Thursday at its former base in Tampa, Florida, the NXT Arena (formerly known as the FCW Arena), featured the return of Brandi Rhodes (née Reed, formerly known in WWE as Eden Stiles) and the first live appearance of Sarah Backman (a 22-year-old former World Arm Wrestling Champion from Sweden). The newcomers and other female talent appeared as “Santa’s Helpers” during a skit featuring “Santa,” Eugene and Aiden English.

Rhodes, who is the wife of Cody Rhodes, re-joined WWE this fall after leaving the promotion two years ago. Both she and Backman began wrestling training at the WWE Performance Center in November.

– Former WWE Women’s Champion Lita, professionally known as Amy Dumas, has been announced to appear at the Alamo City Comic Con taking place September 26-28, 2014 at Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center 200 E. Market Street San Antonio, Texas 78205.

– Kofi Kingston says he doesn’t care what people think about his in-ring performances.

The latest issue of WWE Magazine (cover-dated January 2014) features the 2013 WWE Magazine Awards and the seven-time mid-level champion was voted by fans as “Most Underrated.” Kingston, however, doesn’t care for the moniker.

“I don’t really care what people think about me,” Kingston remarked to WWE Magazine about being called underrated. “I think if someone’s underrated, that they’re under appreciated. I’m fully confident in my abilities, I know every night, in my mind, that I’m going to have a good match. People feel underrated when they think they’re not getting the credit they deserve. That’s why I don’t care that much about what people think.”

– Bill Apter recently caught up with “Dangerous” Danny Davis, who famously portrayed a crooked referee for the World Wrestling Federation in the 1980s. During the interview, Davis reveals that he now resides in Massachusetts, drives a truck for a living and still even wrestles.

– John “Bradshaw” Layfield mentioned on Twitter that he was doing voice-overs at WWE’s headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut over the weekend.

– Celebrating birthdays are Japanese wrestling legend The Great Muta, who turns 51-year-old, and Jamie Noble, who turns 37. Noble currently works for WWE in a behind-the-scenes capacity.

As seen on Thursday’s “Final Resolution” edition of Impact Wrestling, Magnus defeated Jeff Hardy in a tournament final to capture the vacated TNA World Heavyweight Championship. TNA Wrestling has issued a press release touting the victory and him becoming the first-ever British grappler to win a world championship for a major American wrestling organization.

Magnus ends Britain’s 108 year wait for a wrestling World Champion

London (Monday December 23, 2013): TNA IMPACT WRESTLING star Magnus has become the first ever Brit to win the World Heavyweight Championship for a major American wrestling organisation, ending a wait of more than 108 years.

Magnus (former TV Gladiator Nick Aldis from King’s Lynn, Norfolk) beat Jeff Hardy for the vacant TNA World Heavyweight Championship in a gripping tournament final.

His victory was broadcast to millions of people in more than 120 countries, including on Challenge TV in the UK and Ireland on Sunday December 22, 2013.

Magnus will bring his newly-won championship home when he visits five arenas around Britain and Ireland on the TNA MAXIMUM IMPACT VI Tour in January/February 2014.

He said: “It is truly an honour and a privilege to be the new TNA World Heavyweight Champion. I’m looking forward to bringing the title belt back to where it all started for me. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of doing.

“It’s also important to represent all the people in the UK wrestling business that helped me get to this point, and hopefully show the young British talent that there is no glass ceiling; you can be a top guy!”

Magnus’ title win ends one the longest waits in British sporting history, which began when Russian George Hackenschmidt beat American Tom Jenkins on May 4, 1905 to become wrestling’s first widely regarded World Heavyweight Champion.

The victory puts Magnus alongside Tour De France winner Bradley Wiggins (109 years), boxing’s former Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis (100 years), Wimbledon men’s singles victor Andy Murray (77 years) and 1980 men’s 100 metres Olympic Gold Medallist Alan Wells (56 years).

Wrestling historian and author John Lister said: “While the likes of the legendary British Bulldog, William Regal, Wade Barrett and Doug Williams have all had great success in America, they’ve fallen short in their challenges for the World Heavyweight Championship.

“It’s a great achievement for Magnus to become the No1 wrestler in a globally televised promotion and also shows how important the British audience is to TNA.

“For decades it seemed impossible that we would ever see a British man win Wimbledon, hold a World Heavyweight Championship for a major wrestling company or lift the World Cup again. With two down in the same year, perhaps it’s an omen for next summer in Rio!”

As well as a successful career inside the wrestling ring, Magnus has also found fame in a variety of different fields – including as Oblivion on Sky One’s Gladiators, the co-host of hit Challenge TV series UK’s Strongest Man, a popular Christmas pantomime regular at the Norwich Theatre Royal and a columnist for Fighting Spirit Magazine.

Fans can see Magnus as part of the huge TNA MAXIMUM IMPACT VI Tour, which will also feature global wrestling stars Kurt Angle, Bully Ray, Mr Anderson, Bobby Roode, Samoa Joe, Austin Aries, James Storm, Gunner, Christopher Daniels, Kazarian, Rockstar Spud, Ethan Carter III, Robbie E. Jessie Godderz, Zema Ion, Joseph Park, Eric Young, Chris Sabin, Sam Shaw, Gail Kim, ODB, Velvet Sky, Lei’d Tapa and Madison Rayne.

Ticket are on sale now via www.gigsandtours.com/go/tnafan, www.ticketmaster.co.uk or www.facebook.com/tnawrestlinguk. Full details of the UK and Ireland events are:

Wednesday 29 January 2014 – Dublin National Stadium 0818 719 300
Thursday 30 January 2014 – Glasgow The SSE Hydro 0844 811 0051
Friday 31 January 2014 – Manchester Phones 4u Arena 0844 847 8000
Saturday 01 February 2014 – London Wembley Arena 0844 815 0815
Sunday 02 February 2014 – Birmingham NIA 0844 338 8000

TNA IMPACT WRESTLING is broadcast every Sunday night at 9pm on Challenge TV and is the UK’s most watched wrestling show.

– Though UNLVTickets.com’s advertisement promoting an appearance by Batista for WWE’s upcoming live event at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, February 16, 2014 was removed, there are still some radio ads in the area saying he’ll be at the show.

– A Six-Man Tag Team Match pitting Daniel Bryan, Cody Rhodes and Goldust against The Wyatt Family that was taped Wednesday night in San Antonio, Texas was edited off Friday’s SmackDown broadcast on Syfy.

– Eddie Edwards, who is currently working for WWE on a trial basis in Orlando, Florida, said at last night’s Pro Wrestling Guerrilla show in Reseda, California said that it would be his farewell show. Edwards, however, did not reveal his future plans.

– Independent wrestler Slyk Wagner Brown now runs a wrestling school in Waterbury, Connecticut. Those interested in visiting the school can contact him at SWB4Real@yahoo.com. He says he trained Eddie Edwards and former TNA Knockout Roxxi.

(source: F4WOnline.com)

– The official WWE website caught up with WWE Superstars to find out their worst travel stories, including The Miz’s ride through a blizzard, Cody Rhodes’ messy trip with Randy Orton, and The Brooklyn Brawler’s confrontation with an unruly passenger. Natalya remembered Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallaj”kull wreaking havoc on the final legs of the two-week post-WrestleMania XXVI tour in 2010.

“My travel day from hell was on an International Tour when we got stuck over in Europe,” Natalya recalls. “We were heading to Switzerland but we couldn’t get out because there was a volcano. There was ash in the air and they wouldn’t let planes fly out of most of Europe. We got stuck there for a week. We couldn’t do anything until the ash cleared. Every airport, practically, in Europe was shut down. So we had to stay there and just hang out for a week. And we nearly missed Monday Night Raw, which is unheard of. They were saying that the ash wouldn’t clear and it could take up to a month to clear. When we finally, finally, finally made it home, I literally kissed the ground of the JFK airport.”

The full article is available here.

– As reported recently, WWE has plans to release a single-disc DVD highlighting the promotion’s greatest music. The video now has a name as according to WrestlingDVDNews.com, it will be called Signature Sounds: The Music of WWE.

Featuring twenty-five tracks and interviews with WWE composer Jim Johnston, it is scheduled for release on March 18, 2014. The synopsis is as follows: “Music has been integral in WWE history, especially anthems for all the greatest WWE Superstars. Since Sgt. Slaughter first made his entrance to the Marine Corp hymn in the early 80?s music themes have become synonymous with the Superstars themselves. Just hearing the first few notes brings the crowd to their feet. They are the songs that let the WWE Universe know that business is about to pick up. Now, get behind the music and learn the inside story behind the timeless anthems of WWE and the Superstars.”

– E! Canada will be airing marathons of Total Divas on December 26 and 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.

– According to PWInsider.com, WWE officials are steamed over news of Batista returning to the organization since it was meant to be kept as a surprise. Advertisements featuring the former WWE Champion were removed Saturday from UNLVTickets.com for WWE’s scheduled non-televised event at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, February 16, 2014.

– With WWE in San Antonio, Texas last week for SmackDown, Zeb Colter paid a visit to the The Alamo in order to look out for illegal immigrants. To watch the vignette, click here.

– Former WWE Superstar Rob Van Dam has been announced to appear at a Reality of Wrestling event on Saturday, January 11, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Event Information)

– This week’s WWE Classics on Demand updates are as follows: WWE SummerSlam (2013), World Wrestling Federation action at the Copps Coliseum (December 4, 1988, featuring Tim Horner vs. Johnny K-9, Hulk Hogan vs. Big Boss Man, Virgil vs. Hercules, Tito Santana vs. Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, Mr. Perfect vs. Jose Luis Rivera, “The Million Dollar Man” Ted Dibiase vs. Koko B. Ware, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan vs. Dino Bravo), WWWF Championship Wrestling (February 4, 1978), ECW Hardcore TV (December 4, 1998), WWF Prime Time Wrestling (December 25, 1989).

– In the latest edition of 30 Second Fury!, John Cena’s Attitude Adjustment is highlighted.

– The second part of Chris Jericho’s Talk Is Jericho podcast with WWE Hall of Famer Edge will be released online this week via PodcastOne.com.

– Santino Marella is giving away free trials to his mixed martial arts academy in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. He remarked on Twitter on Sunday, “Live in the GTA? Wanna try out @BattleArtsMMA for a week? Simply text BATTLE to 393939 and you will instantly receive a free week trial!”

The official website of Battle Arts Academy is located here.

– The former Sterling James Keenan, WWE developmental wrestler Corey Graves, teased an appearance in the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match since it will emanate from his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsyvlvania.

The #RoyalRumble is next month in Pittsburgh. I haven't been home in years…hmmm. #IronCityHardCore #StayDown

— Corey Graves (@WWEGraves) December 19, 2013

– Luis Ignascio Urive Alvirde, who originally portrayed Sin Cara, turns 31-years-old on Sunday. Also celebrating a birthday today is former WWE performer Drew Hankinson (formerly known as Festus and Luke Gallows), who turns 30.

– WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley has been announced to appear at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo taking place April 25-27, 2014 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.

– WWE has signed a business deal with Flair to distribute The Bridge Direct’s WWE construction sets in the UK and Ireland.

Casey Collins, Executive Vice president of Consumer Products for WWE, said, “We are proud to be working with The Bridge Direct and GP Flair to launch this new chapter for WWE merchandising. We have had tremendous success by teaming with The Bridge in the US and have the perfect distribution channel with Flair to reach millions of WWE fans in the UK and Ireland.”

– Jen Soska and Sylvia Soska, Canadian twin sisters who are directing WWE Studios’ See No Evil 2, revealed on Twitter that there is no set date for the film and both would be interested in competing inside the WWE ring. The twin duo also remarked on working with WWE Studios for the film.

“Love working w/ @WWEStudios – you guys are in for a real treat w/ @SeeNoEvil2Movie, best experience we’ve ever had killing people #twinning.”

– The tandem of Big E Langston and Mark Henry wreaking havoc on The Real Americans are highlighted in the “WWE Raw Slam of the Week.”

– Celebrating birthdays Saturday were former WWE wrestlers “Outlaw” Ron Bass (65) and Gymini (46).

The time frame for Batista’s reported return to WWE is no longer clear.

UNLVTickets.com, the official ticketing company for the Las Vegas-based Thomas & Mack Center, is no longer advertising “The Animal” for WWE’s scheduled non-televised event at the venue on Sunday, February 16, 2014. A graphic featuring the six-time world champion was also removed.

On Friday evening, the ticketing company prematurely revealed that Batista would be returning to WWE for the show in the following promotional message: “WWE’s Road to Wrestlemania will make a stop at Las Vegas’ Thomas and Mack Center on Sunday, February 16. Don’t miss your favorite WWE Superstars including: CM Punk, The Shield, Big Show, Kane, the WWE Divas and much more! Plus, see the special return of “The Animal” Batista, LIVE!”

Sources within the company confirmed to PWInsider.com that while the 44-year-old is coming back, it was meant to be kept as a surprise.

This was not the only advertising miscue as Jeramie McPeek, Vice President of Digital Operations for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, revealed on Twitter Friday night that Batista would appear at another non-televised event; scheduled for Saturday, February 15, 2014 at the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The message was quickly deleted.

Batista had been contemplating a return to WWE since last spring, but his acting schedule prevented him from making a commitment until recently. He claimed in subsequent media interviews that he left the company in 2010 due to unhappiness with the family-friendly product.

– As announced Friday evening, WWE will hold a live event at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, February 16, 2014, and according to www.unlvtickets.com, “The Animal” is scheduled to appear at the event. Sources within the sports-entertainment organization confirmed to PWInsider.com that this is not an advertising error as he is indeed coming back. Advertising was released prematurely, spoiling WWE’s planned surprise (which one source speculated as taking place at the Royal Rumble next month).

This is not the only event he is scheduled for as an executive for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns revealed on Twitter last night that Batista will appear at a live event scheduled for Saturday, February 15, 2014 at the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The message was quickly deleted.

– WWEShop.com has released a new T-Shirt on Cameron featuring her catchphrase on Total Divas, “Girl Bye.”

– WWE developmental talent Alexa Bliss (Lexi Kaufman) scored her first victory in singles competition at Friday’s NXT live event in Orlando, Florida. The former bodybuilder and fitness model defeated Sasha Banks.

– Sin Cara’s victory over Drew McIntyre on this week’s episode of SmackDown is highlighted in the SmackDown Slam of the Week.

“Sin Cara’s definitely improved. It’s like we got a new Sin Cara,” John “Bradshaw” Layfield” remarked on commentary. “Sin Cara’s been on a roll!”

– One half of Los Matadores, Diego, turns 31-years-old on Saturday. Also celebrating a birthday is former WWE and WCW competitor “The Patriot” Del Wilkes, who turns 52.

– The final WWE NXT live event of 2013 was held Friday night in Orlando, Florida. The next show will take place on Friday, Jan. 3, 2014 in Largo, Florida at Minnreg Hall. (Event Information)

– This week on “Backstage Fallout” for SmackDown, The Bella Twins talk to Renee Young about Brie’s victory over Tamina. Plus, Xavier Woods reacts to causing Brodus Clay to lose his match to Tensai.

– The WWE.com profile of Knuckles Madsen has been deleted after it was reported on Tuesday that he had been released from his developmental contract with WWE.

A Memphis, Tennessee-based wrestler, Knuckles joined developmental late last year. His appearances were solely limited to non-televised events as he never appeared on WWE NXT. He donned clown gear until recently, when he began portraying a country musician with guitar in tow.

– Former WWE wrestler Chris Masters will be appearing at The Wrestling Guy Store 6085 State St. Huntington Park, California, on Sunday, January 12, 2014 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. (Event Information)

– It was reported that Canadian-based independent wrestler “The Zombie Hunter” Mentallo participated in WWE’s three-day tryout last week at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. Following the outing, the masked grappler went on Facebook to boast in the face of his critics.

He wrote, “Many Winnipeg Wrestling “EXPERTS” always said WWE would never be interested in guys like myself, how we’re VANILLA MIDGETS and DON’T WRESTLE WWE’s STYLE. Hope you like DEEZ NUUUTTS in your mouth! Don’t get it confused, this isn’t that “trans yourself to OVW crap”, they INVITED & PAID FOR ME. To all the promoters who don’t want to use me on all your shows, guess you know better than WWE. I’ll be looking for your stocks on Wall Street. On my Worst Behaviour! Turn Up!”

– The top signature maneuvers and jaw-dropping moves of 2013 are highlighted in the latest edition of “WWE Top 10.”

Tensai gained retribution against Brodus Clay tonight on SmackDown as “Sweet T” scored a victory over his former Tons of Funk partner. Xavier Woods and The Funkadactyls danced atop of the ramp, allowing Sweet T to roll up a distracted Clay for the win.

Prior to the bout, Tensai called out Clay in a WWE App interview with Renee Young. He said, “Brodus, you run around here calling yourself a main event playa. For seventeen years I’ve been in this business, I’ve been in a main event or two. You know nothing about main events. You disrespected Xavier. You disrespected R-Truth. You disrespected me and every other main-eventer to come before you.”

Tensai continued, “In this business, people come in and out of our lives, like that. And Brodus, Tons of Funk came into my life and it served a purpose. And Monday, served a purpose. It lit a fire under my rear-end. And Brodus, main event playa, I’m coming for ya.”

To view the interview, click here.

The match marks as Tensai’s first televised bout since the April 22, 2013 episode of Raw, where he defeated Cody Rhodes.