An advertisement for an upcoming WWE Live Event in February has spoiled some major news – former WWE Champion Batista is returning to WWE.
As announced Friday evening, the official website of the Thomas & Mack Center is advertising the Batista will be appearing at the WWE Live Event from Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, February 16, 2014
Sources in WWE are saying this is not an advertising error as he is indeed coming back.
Advertising was reportedly released prematurely, spoiling WWE’s planned surprise (which would take place in time for WrestleMania season).
Batista, who is now 44-years-old, had been contemplating a return to WWE since last spring in discussions with Triple H. However, his acting schedule prevented him from making a commitment until recently.
One source speculated that Batista will appear for WWE until he is called to promote Guardians, which is scheduled to be released in theaters on August 1, 2014.
Batista last appeared for WWE in 2010, with his final match resulting in a loss to John Cena. He later stated in media interviews that he left WWE due to unhappiness with the company’s family-friendly product. He did not, however, rule out a return to the organization as he has said that he would be interested in having another run.
Comment Below and tell us who you want to see Batista wrestle at WrestleMania.
– As seen last night at WWE TLC, AJ Lee successfully defended the Divas Championship against Natalya after it was heavily speculated online that she would lose the title as punishment for a reported backstage incident with NBC personality Michelle Beadle at Wednesday’s Tribute to the Troops event—gamblers briefly predicted Natalya would win amidst reports of the ordeal (betting for the match was ultimately nixed from most sportsbooks), after Lee was considered a heavy favorite. Dave Meltzer stated this morning in a podcast on F4WOnline.com that Lee was always scripted to win the bout, as the match result was finalized before the story surfaced.
As reported earlier, WWE executives don’t want to draw any more attention to the Lee-Beadle story than necessary.
– Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett paid tribute to “Ravishing” Rick Rude on Sunday after sacking New York Giants star quarterback Peyton Manning. Here is an animation of Bennett performing the late wrestler’s signature dance.
The Seahawks shutdown the Giants, 23-0.
– Hulk Hogan’s WWE theme song, “Real American,” briefly played this afternoon on Fox News as bumper music for a story tease on Iowa GOP Senate candidates.
– Curtis Axel and Konnan are still taking jabs at each other online after the former WCW United States Heavyweight Champion branded the third-generation wrestler as “vanilla” and “boring” in a series of Twitter messages weeks ago.
Over the weekend, Axel responded to a message on the social media outlet asking him for his thoughts on Konnan, and stated “Who?” A user on the social media site informed Konnan of the remark this morning, to which he responded, “He guy that said u were boring and was right and proof is how u are being used…#Jaybrone.”
– WWE is dominating Yahoo.com today as both John Cena and Tribute to the Troops host Michelle Beadle have ranked as the top trending topics.
News of WWE Diva Champion AJ Lee’s reported clash with the NBC sports and entertainment personality last Wednesday at Tribute to the Troops has garnered a lot of attention, so much so that it caused Beadle to briefly rank as the top trending topic on Yahoo.com today—with the accompanying link pointing to numerous wrestling website reports of the incident. Cena is drawing attention for losing last night’s Tables, Ladders and Chairs match to unify the WWE Championship and World Heavyweight Championship into the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and saying no to marriage with Nikki Bella on the season finale of Total Divas.
– WWE Hall of Famer and former standout football player William “The Refrigerator” Perry turns 51-years-old on Monday.
Independent promotion Canadian Wrestling’s Elite issued a statement Monday announcing that “The Zombie Hunter” Mentallo participated in WWE’s three-day tryout last week at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. He has face off against some of WWE’s elite talent including Daniel Bryan, Antonio Cesaro and Seth Rollins (when they were competing on the independent scene).
CWE’s statement reads, “Canadian Wrestling’s Elite would like to send out a public congratulations to CWE Star “The Zombie Hunter” MENTALLO who just this past week was invited to and then participated in a private three day WWE try out at their new state of the art Performance Center.
“The 17 year Canadian wrestling veteran and former CWE Champion and former CWE Tag Team Champion was a apart of a small invite only group of wrestlers and athletes from across the World who were evaluated by World Wrestling Entertainment’s head trainers.
“MENTALLO is no stranger to competing with that level of talent as proven by not only competing against some of WWE’s top current stars like Daniel Bryan, Antonio Cesaro, and Seth Rollins on years previous CWE events but defeating some of them as well as well as a long list of other former stars of the company.
“With Global success under his belt in Japan and Mexico this yet another accomplishment to a long list of accolades “The Zombie Hunter” can add to his resume.
“Stay posted to www.cwecanada.ca to see when you can see MENTALLO perform live once again in a CWE ring!”
This is not the first time in which Mentallo has tried out for WWE as he participated in camps in 2005 and 2006.
NBC sports and entertainment personality Michelle Beadle has issued a statement in response to reports of a backstage incident between herself and AJ Lee at last Wednesday’s Tribute to the Troops event at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Pierce County, Washington.
Dave Meltzer reported this morning in a podcast on F4WOnline.com that Lee went on tirade towards the Access Hollywood co-host upon seeing her chat with CM Punk, her boyfriend, backstage at the event. PWInsider.com subsequently claimed that Lee calmly appeared in his defense for speaking to him in a “disrespectful tone.”
Beadle tweeted the following statement on Sunday in hopes of putting the whole thing behind her:
“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!!!”
While Beadle claimed that she took the whole incident as a joke, she tweeted otherwise the day after the incident, stating,
Lost another friend to CGFN….crazy girlfriend neutering. It's real people. Check your buddies. Affects everyone.
– In the latest issue of WWE Magazine (cover dated January 2014, featuring John Cena on the cover), Kaitlyn pays tribute to fellow Texan “Stone Cold” Steve Austin in a photo shoot. In an accompanying interview, the Hybrid Diva reveals that she would like to bring back memories of the legendary wrestler’s feud with Vince McMahon by going one-on-one with Stephanie McMahon.
Responding to a question asking her who her ideal WrestleMania opponent would be, Kaitlyn said, “Stephanie McMahon! I’d love to see our names in lights together because she seems untouchable now, and it would be epic if we could bring back memories of the Austin vs. McMahon rivalry with Kaitlyn vs. McMahon.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Kaitlyn says she is most proud of helping change the general view on the preferred mold for female wrestlers. She states, “I made it acceptable to be something other than a cookie-cutter prototype for the women in this business. I know there are a few who claim something similar, but do those ladies also look good with two different colors in their hair?”
– On Sept. 10 via Twitter, Zack Ryder revealed a goal to gain fifteen pounds by Oct. 1. “Got a lot of down time this month…gonna use the time wisely…training hard & eating A LOT…I want to gain 15 pounds by October 1st. #carbs,” he remarked. The New York native, who has sparingly appeared on WWE programming since early October (he has only appeared in two televised matches in the past sixty days, both of which aired on WWE Superstars), has indeed gained weight as he’s now up to 220 pounds (an increase from a billed weight of 214 pounds). However, not all of it is muscle.
In response to a person on Twitter calling him “fat” and a “pudgy boy” (based on a photo from a recent live event of him appearing heftier), Ryder responded, “220 and ZACKED. You must have seen a bad picture. #bulking.”
Allegations of a backstage incident between WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee and NBC personality Michelle Beadle at last Wednesday’s Tribute to the Troops event in Pierce County, Washington is currently a huge topic of discussion among company employees at tonight’s WWE TLC pay-per-view event in Houston, Texas. People who generally don’t acknowledge these types of online stories at shows are even offering their thoughts.
Multiple accounts of the story, which was originally reported this morning by Dave Meltzer on F4WOnline.com, are floating online, with some people affiliated with WWE attempting damage control in order to protect Lee’s brand and reputation—PWInsider.com is claiming that Lee did not approach Beadle out of jealousy toward her chatting up with boyfriend CM Punk, but rather, calmly appeared in his defense for speaking to him in a “disrespectful tone.” Meltzer, however, is saying that his version of the story, with Lee going on a bizarre, obscenity-laced tirade toward the popular television personality and behaving similar to her eccentric on-screen character, is completely legitimate.
“I’ve talked to several there. Everything is damage control now,” Meltzer remarked this afternoon on the F4WOnline.com message board in response to conflicting accounts of the incident online. “According to more than one there, she cussed out Beadle and they were very upset, partially because Beadle was brought in as a host and it was a show when they were trying to put their best foot forward, saying it was a bigger deal because it was Tribute to the Troops. Four different people today and one last night including one person who got it from top management explained it the same way.”
“Even one person trying to defend her admitted she was way out of line and nuts, but said she overreacted because she knew Punk and Beadle had a short-lived deal.
“It’s way bigger than I reported last night as of 1 p.m. Central time in Houston. It is the story in the locker room, even backstage people who aren’t usually talking about such things are are all talking about it.”
It should be noted that WWE officials invited Meltzer to last week’s press conference in Santa Clara, California to announce Levi’s Stadium as the location of WrestleMania 31 in 2015, with Stephanie McMahon addressing her new role as WWE Chief Brand Officer to him. In this photo gallery on WWE.com, there is a shot of Meltzer shaking hands with Mark Henry.
Lee’s reign as Divas Champion could end tonight as she is scheduled to defend her title at WWE TLC against Natalya.
– Amidst reports that Divas Champion AJ Lee is in hot water with WWE brass for appearing unruly towards NBC sports and entertainment personality Michelle Beadle at last Wednesday’s Tribute to the Troops event at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Pierce County, Washington, betting for her scheduled title defense against Natalya tonight at WWE TLC is now off in most outlets.
The New Jersey-native was a heavy favorite to win her match against the accomplished third-generation wrestler after “insider betting” was placed on Thursday. At the start of Sunday, Lee was a 4,500-point favorite, then downgraded to a 2,750-point favorite after reports of the incident surfaced. Natalya moved to a 1,250-point underdog with late money landing on a win before the match was removed from most sportsbooks entirely.
Lee has the third-longest Divas Championship reign in history, having held the title for 182 days as of Sunday. She trails Beth Phoenix (204) and Maryse (216).
– This week’s WWE Classics on Demand updates are as follows: (The Big Events – Armageddon 1999; Classics Rewind – Monday Night Wars: Nitro (1/19/98). Monday Night Wars: Raw (1/19/98), Prime Time Wrestling Holiday Show (12/23/86); Cowboy Bill Watts – North American Heavyweight Championship: Bill Watts (c) vs. Terry Funk (CWF – 1970’s), Bill Watts and Jerry Brisco vs. Robert Fuller and Ron Fuller (CWF – 7/2/74), Florida Heavyweight Championship: Dusty Rhodes (c) vs Bill Watts (CWF – 10/22/74), Bill Watts, Jim Duggan and Terry Taylor vs. Fabulous Freebirds (UWF – 7/21/86); Season Beatings – WCW World Tag Team Championship: Dallas Page and Kevin Nash (c) vs. 3 Count (Nitro – 12/4/2000), First Blood Match: John Cena vs. Kurt Angle (Raw – 1/2/06), Diamond Dallas Page vs. Sting (WCW Thunder – 12/9/99), Eddie Guerrero and Juventud Guerrera vs. Rey Mysterio, Jr. and Billy Kidman (Nitro – 12/28/98), Divas Championship: Michelle McCool (c) vs. Maryse (Smackdown – 12/26/08); TV Classics – NWA’s WCW on TBS (8/20/88), Monday Night Raw (12/19/94), Tribute to the Troops (2012).
Additional and conflicting details have surfaced concerning a backstage incident between WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee and NBC personality Michelle Beadle at last Wednesday’s Tribute to the Troops event at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Pierce County, Washington.
Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer reported this morning in a podcast on F4WOnline.com that Lee went on tirade towards the Access Hollywood co-host upon seeing her chat with CM Punk, her boyfriend, backstage at the event. WWE officials were very embarrassed and angry at Lee over her “unprofessional conduct,” which PWInsider.com is corroborating. They are especially upset because Beadle appeared as an invited guest of WWE, who is affiliated with partner NBC Universal. Furthermore, the incident took place at Tribute to Troops, which internally is considered one of the most important events of the year by WWE chief Vince McMahon.
Beadle was at the event as the official host, which will air as a one-hour television special on Saturday, Dec. 28 at 8/7C on NBC.
The word among wrestlers backstage at today’s WWE TLC pay-per-view event in Houston, Texas, was that Lee did not approach Beadle due to jealousy, but because she had spoken to Punk in a disrespectful tone. Lee approached Beadle after Beadle had a conversation with Punk, not during a conversation between the two as had been previously reported.
Beadle had remarked something to Punk in a disrespectful manner that allegedly upset him, which led to Lee searching for her—what Beadle said cannot be confirmed. It is said that Lee approached the popular television personality and told her that she was not to speak to her boyfriend in that manner again and if she did, there would be a problem.
One wrestler who witnessed the incident is denying the claim of Lee raising her voice and cursing at Beadle.
“Anyone who said that is a liar,” said the wrestler, who spoke under the condition of anonymity.
Since Beadle is a celebrity, there is heat on Lee over the ordeal. The same wrestler remarked, “Celebs are untouchable in the backstage scene. WWE wants them more than they need any wrestler, so automatically, the wrestler is going to be wrong here, even when [Lee] isn’t really.”
Beadle acknowledged rumors of an incident with Lee this morning on Twitter. In response to a fan remarking to her this morning on the social media outlet, “You should have slapped AJ Lee when she got in your face,” Beadle stated, “Meh. I thought it was a joke.” She then added in response to an upset AJ Lee fan, “Hon…it was done in front of company people. I didn’t say a word. I thought it was a joke.”
Lee is scheduled to defend her WWE Divas Championship tonight at WWE TLC against Natalya.
NBC entertainment and sports personality Michelle Beadle is lending credence to today’s report concerning an incident between herself and WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee at last Wednesday’s Tribute to the Troops event in Pierce County, Washington.
Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer revealed this morning in a podcast on F4WOnline.com that Lee went on an obscenity-laced tirade towards the Access Hollywood co-host upon seeing her chat with CM Punk, the WWE Diva’s boyfriend, backstage at the event. Beadle didn’t believe Lee was serious with her unhinged WWE character-like behavior.
In response to a fan remarking to her this morning on Twitter:
Beadle’s tweet gels with Meltzer’s claim, as he noted on the podcast that Lee’s Tribute to the Troops incident took place in front of many important people. He added that a number of WWE officials were very embarrassed and angry at Lee over the incident, mainly for “coming off like her character in real life, and not in a good way.” She is expected to be disciplined for her behavior.
Lee is scheduled to defend her WWE Divas Championship tonight at WWE TLC against Natalya.
Reigning WWE Divas Champion AJ Lee is reportedly in hot water with WWE management after “causing a scene” at last Wednesday’s Tribute to the Troops event in Pierce County, Washington.
Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer disclosed in a podcast (posted Sunday morning on F4WOnline.com) that Lee saw NBC personality Michelle Beadle (who was on hand hosting the event) chatting with CM Punk backstage at the event and “freaked out.” More specifically, Lee threw an obscenity-laced tirade at the popular television personality.
Meltzer says that a lot of people in the company were very embarrassed and angry at Lee over the incident, mainly for “coming off like her character in real life, and not in a good way.” She is expected to be disciplined for her behavior.
A message Beadle posted the following day on Twitter appears to allude to the situation.
Lost another friend to CGFN….crazy girlfriend neutering. It’s real people. Check your buddies. Affects everyone.
Meltzer noted that Punk is very upset with company officials over the matter. A message Punk posted Thursday evening on Twitter appears to allude to the situation.
It’s difficult to always try to do business the proper way with a company that refuses to practice the same standards.
– Solomon Crowe, who recently debuted a character where he utlizes a tablet computer to seize control of the lights in the arena, laid waste to another victim Saturday night in Crystal River, Florida.
The former Sami Callihan remarked on Twitter, “The first time you hear the sirens you should run… #NXTCrystalRiver & @KnucklesMadsen just got infected… #InfectedCrowe #SongsOfSolomon.”
– Chris Jericho will be interviewing WWE Hall of Edge this week for his Talk Is Jericho podcast (available on PodcastOne.com).
– Former WWE Superstar Rene Dupree, who won the defunct World Tag Team Championship at the age of 19, turns 30-years-old on Sunday.
– The official website of 62nd Airlift Wing has published an article on last Wednesday’s Tribute to the Troops taping at McChord Field in Pierce County, Washington. The article features an aerial shot of the venue.
As seen Thursday night on Impact Wrestling, Madison Rayne made her return to TNA Wrestling. Establishing herself as a babyface, the four-time TNA Women’s Knockout Champion saved ODB from an attack from Lei’D Tapa and her former partner in crime, the reigning TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Gail Kim. The 27-year-old is back on the company website’s official roster and has also been talent roster for January’s tour of Europe.
Those scheduled for the tour are Magnus, Rockstar Spud, Kurt Angle, Bobby Roode, Christopher Daniels, Kazarian, Ethan Carter III, Bully Ray, Mr. Anderson, James Storm, Gunner, Samoa Joe, Chris Sabin, Austin Aries, Eric Young, Joseph Park, Robbie E, Jessie Godderz, Zema Ion, Gail Kim, Lei’D Tapa, Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne, ODB and Sam Shaw.
Brooke, Knux and Manik have been pulled from the announced lineup. Other notable admissions include AJ Styles, Jeff Hardy, Sting, Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez.
– Sebastian Guerra, a 21-year-old Puerto Rican-based wrestler (billed at 6’4″ and 290 pounds) who tried out with WWE in August, is expected to tryout for TNA Wrestling sometime next year after being invited due to so by Jeff Jarrett.
“I’m going to go possibly in January,” he remarked to PRWrestling.com. “They searched me and offered it to me. It’s another opportunity. I have nothing to lose.”
– Velvet Sky spoke to Jim Varsallone of The Miami Herald before a recent Impact Wrestling taping in Orlando, Florida. During the interview she addressed leaving the wrestling boots for high heels as the manager of Chris Sabin.
– In anticipation of tomorrow night’s Unification bout between WWE Champion Randy Orton and World Heavyweight Champion John Cena at WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, WWE is counting down the top ten Unification Matches in wrestling history. In addition to WWE, this includes bouts from WCCW, AWA, NWA and WCW.
– WWE Tag Team Champion Cody Rhodes was asked on Twitter whether he’s “pumped” for the upcoming WWE Network and responded, “I’ve done about 11hours of interviews for it so far, so Hell Yeah…”
– Celebrating birthdays Friday are Brad Rheingans (60) and Boris Zhukov (54).
– Former WWE performer Lisa Marie Varon’s Chicago, Illinois-based The Squared Circle restaurant will be airing WWE TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs Sunday night. An “Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest” is also scheduled to take place. (The Squared Circle On Twitter)
– In a battle of former TNA World Tag Team Champions, Bad Influence square off against Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez on this week’s edition of TNA Xplosion.
– TNA Wrestling is throwing a Christmas party for fans in the United Kingdom, the company announced on Facebook.
The event will take place in London, England on Sunday, December 22 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. with Magnus and Rockstar Spud in attendance. The party is being hosted by Jeremy Borash and will be filmed for broadcast on Challenge TV.
Admission is free but solely limited to those who have purchased tickets for next month’s TNA Maximum Impact VI Tour. Additional details are available here.
– Former WWE Women’s Champion Candice Michelle will be undergoing surgery Thursday on an injury that has lingered since her time in WWE.
“Finally getting my broken nose fixed tom!” she wrote on Twitter on Wednesday. “From @TheBethPhoenix 7yrs ago took a head butt to the nose. I should send her the bill!”
Michelle considers herself retired after being unceremoniously released from her contract with WWE in June 2009. She did, however, return to the ring in September for a one-off appearance as a referee at an independent wrestling event featuring numerous former WWE Divas and TNA Knockouts.
– The official Instagram of WWE published this photo of Mark Henry attempting to bench press 765-pounds—with help from Sheamus.
In a 2009 interview, Henry revealed that he can bench press “close to 600 pounds.” However, he added, “the bench press is the most limited, and the least functional of all the lifts. I’ve squatted 1006 pounds, and I’ve deadlifted 900 pounds consistently, which is my forte. There have been very few 900 pound deadlifters, ever.”
– Pro Wrestling Illustrated has named Magnus the “Most Improved Wrestler of the Year” for 2013.
“It’s very kind, and I appreciate the coverage from PWI and the readers,” Magnus remarked on the achievement. “If you thought that 2013 was maybe my breakout year then I’d say 2014 will be my standout year.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1qIKguoKUw
The award, which dates back to 1978, has honored numerous standout wrestlers, including John Cena ten years ago.
– This newly released “#IMPACT365” video goes behind the scenes with Kurt Angle at a commercial shoot for Indian sports channel Sony Six. The only Olympic gold medalist in the history of professional wrestling, as well as TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Gail Kim, are currently in the country promoting TNA Wrestling.
One TNA Wrestling star will be “fired” this Thursday on Impact Wrestling as the annual “Feast Or Fired” Match returns.
Four briefcases will hang in the ring; three will contain shots at TNA championships, while the fourth will result in a wrestler being terminated. Samoa Joe, James Storm, Mr. Anderson, Gunner, Chavo Guerrero, Zema Ion and other stars are scheduled to participate in the bout.
Also announced is an X Division Championship match as Chris Sabin will defend his title against Austin Aries. Courtesy of ImpactWrestling.com, the official preview is as follows:
Thursday on IMPACT: The Feast or FIRED match returns, Chris Sabin vs. Austin Aries for the X Title
Preview Thursday’s huge IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c! If you can’t watch the action on Thursday, make sure to set your DVR!
– The annual “Feast Or Fired” match returns to IMPACT on Thursday night – featuring Samoa Joe, James Storm, Mr. Anderson, Gunner, Chavo Guerrero, Zema Ion and more superstars! Four briefcases will hang in the ring – three will contain shots at TNA World Titles, while the fourth will cost one unlucky superstar their spot on the TNA roster! Who will earn title shots – and who will be FIRED?! Don’t miss the Feast Or Fired match this Thursday on SpikeTV!
– Who will be the next TNA World Heavyweight Champion? The Finals of the World Title Tournament is set for December 19 during “Final Resolution” on SpikeTV as Jeff Hardy will battle Magnus to crown the new titleholder! Tune into Thursday’s IMPACT for the latest on Hardy and Magnus as they prepare for their showdown for the gold!
– Speaking of the World Title, this past week AJ Styles told TNA President Dixie Carter that if she wanted the belt, she would have to come to his home in Georgia to get it! How far will Carter go to get back her intellectual property? Tune in and find out on Thursday night!
– Also on Thursday: The X Division Championship will be on the line as Chris Sabin will defend against Austin Aries, plus who will step up to battle TNA Knockouts Champion Gail Kim in her ongoing open challenge?
All this and much more on Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c
Former WWE wrestler and commentator Matt Striker says he would love to join TNA Wrestling.
Speaking to OffsetTV, Striker addressed the Nashville-based promotion: “I like wrestling man. So any place that would ask me, to give me the honor of wrestling or work for them in a wrestling company. I have a lot of friends in TNA, a lot. I think TNA has really carved out a place for themselves in wrestling. People give them a bad rap for a lot of things but TNA has a place in wrestling. They have created their own place. Everyone out there is just trying to do WWE. You can’t just do WWE because the WWE does WWE.
“Yeah, I would love to go to TNA in a myriad of capacities be it in-ring, behind the scenes, interviewer, announcer. Absolutely, if that opportunity came up, I’d be there in a heart-beat. I have a lot of friends there and I like wrestling.”
– Christian returned Monday night during the Slammy Awards pre-show to present the “THIS IS AWESOME!” Moment of the Year. He also appeared on Raw during the Championship Ascension segment with 19 other former WWE and World Champions. Speaking to Renee Young on the WWE App, the former World Heavyweight Champion addressed his injury and shared some big personal news.
He stated, “It’s been kind of a rough go since I was taken out of action a few months back by The Shield, which I haven’t forgotten yet. I had a pretty bad concussion. I had some recurring concussion symptoms and things like that. A lot of stuff going on in my life. Actually, I don’t talk about my personal life all that too much, I’ll do it this one time only, some breaking news here on the App. It’s a blessing in disguise that I got to be home because I welcomed my first child. Had a baby girl, so I was pretty happy about that. And that’s the last time you’ll ever hear me talk about my personal life.”
To view the segment, click here. He has been out of action since suffering a concussion during a match with Randy Orton on the August 26 edition of Raw.
– There was a production error during Raw as last year’s graphic for the 2012 Slammy Awards was shown.
– Zeb Colter came up empty at the 2013 Slammy Awards as he lost the award for Insult of the Year to Stephanie McMahon. Addressing the snub on Twitter, the 64-year-old remarked, “Regardless of what anyone of you say, I got ROBBED!!! NEXT YEAR WILL BE DIFFERENT.”
– As seen Monday night on the 2013 Slammy Awards edition of Raw, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 29 was voted as Match of the Year by members of the WWE fanbase. The historic encounter beat out The Undertaker vs. CM Punk at WrestleMania 29, Cody Rhodes and Goldust vs. Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns with the Rhodes Brothers’ jobs on the line at Battleground, and Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar in a Steel Cage Match at Extreme Rules. Johnson addressed the honor following the show on Twitter.
“THANK U @WWE Universe for the vote and @JohnCena for the earned brotherhood,” Johnson remarked. “Truly my honor to do “the honors.”
– Sparingly seen WWE Superstar JTG turns 29-years-old on Tuesday. The Brooklyn native has only competed in two televised bouts since after WrestleMania 29 (both on WWE Superstars, which were losses). Furthermore, he last competed on Raw on last year’s post-WWE TLC – Tables, Ladders & Chairs show.
Also celebrating a birthday Tuesday is former WWE Superstar Essa Rios, who turns 35. He currently competes in Mexico for CMLL.
– Damien Sandow, who was nominated for multiple 2013 Slammy Awards, did not win a single one Monday night. Upset, Sandow remarked on Twitter following the show, “Well, no Slammy. Action will be taken soon. If your with me get ready.”
WWE has announced the winners of the Slammy Award categories voted exclusively on WWE.com. The winners of Breakout Star of the Year, “THIS IS AWESOME!” Moment of the Year, Trending Now (Hashtag of the Year) and Beard of the Year will be revealed on the WWE App at 7:30 p.m. ET before Raw. The winners of the WWE.com awards are as follows:
“What a Maneuver!” Award
Running knee strike (Daniel Bryan)
Black Widow (AJ Lee)
Spear (Roman Reigns) (WINNER)
Cesaro Swing (Antonio Cesaro)
Faction of the Year
The Shield (WINNER)
The Wyatt Family
The Real Americans
3MB
“You Still Got It!” (Best Superstar Return)
Rob Van Dam
Goldust (WINNER)
The Bella Twins
Bruno Sammartino
Chris Jericho
Couple of the Year
Triple H & Stephanie McMahon
Fandango & Summer Rae
Tyson Kidd & Natalya
Daniel Bryan & Brie Bella (WINNER)
John Cena & Nikki Bella
Naomi & Jimmy Uso
Tag Team of the Year
The Shield (Rollins & Reigns)
The Prime Time Players
The Usos
Cody Rhodes & Goldust (WINNER)
The Real Americans
Feat of Strength of the Year
Antonio Cesaro swings The Great Khali
Ryback Shell Shocks Mark Henry
The Shield Triple Powerbombs Big Show
Mark Henry pulls two trucks with his bare hands (WINNER)
Check out Page 2 below for the winners of the following Slammy Awards:
Hulk Hogan continues to distance himself from TNA Wrestling following the expiration of his contract in October.
This morning, the legendary wrestler addressed his status with the organization in response to a fan claiming that he is still being advertised for next month’s European tour.
“I’m sorry if TNA is advertising me on the UK tour but I don’t work there anymore and will NOT be on their UK tour,” Hogan wrote on Twitter.
Hogan followed up his statement with the following:
Ok cool the fan were looking at an old advertisement,I knew it must have been a mistake,all good a d I'm sure the tour willkickbuttbrotherHH
A TNA spokesperson says that Hogan has never been advertised for the tour. One talent forwarded the only e-mail they had received regarding the tour thus far, which features the following list of talent: Kurt Angle, Bully Ray, Magnus, Bobby Roode, Samoa Joe, Chris Sabin, Austin Aries, Manik, James Storm, Gunner, Gail Kim, Rockstar Spud, Christopher Daniels, Kazarian, Brooke, ODB, Knux, Robbie E and Jessie Godderz.
One TNA wrestler joked of Hogan, “Hulk has some imagination when he has nothing to do. If he and his friends were that creative when he was here, he’d still be there.”
The official YouTube account of TNA Wrestling has released two new “#IMPACT365” videos featuring Bad Influence and Velvet Sky.
In this video, Curry Man goes in search of Christopher Daniels.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snly2NE2KqE
Velvet Sky says she forgives Chris Sabin for his harsh treatment of her.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xACMm5EwCk
ShopTNA.com is celebrating the twelve days of Christmas and for the next twelve days, are giving away one free item with each order on each day. Eric Young explains the offer in this video.
