Once a promising talent in WWE’s midcard scene, Alex Riley’s role in the company has been greatly curtailed since last year. According to PWInsider.com, the Raw Superstar is in the doghouse stemming from a hostile backstage encounter with John Cena.

Cena was reportedly poking fun at Riley in front of their wrestler peers, and in response, the Raw talent angrily reacted to Cena’s “rib”—a violation of the unspoken rules of the WWE locker room. Though Riley’s exact actions are not known at this time, his unfavorable reaction to Vince McMahon’s pride and joy was not considered a good move.

Kenn Doane, who appeared as Kenny of the Spirit Squad and Kenny Dykstra for WWE from 2006 to 2008, weighed in on the matter after claiming last month that Cena’s backstage politics sabotaged his once promising grappling career.

He tweeted, “Cena acts stupid to riley, riley calls him on it, loses push. This must be a lie! Lmao #ibelieve.”

– Lending confusion to Velvet Sky’s contractual status with TNA Wrestling amidst rumors that her tenure is drawing near, the popular female wrestler’s profile was removed from their roster index Wednesday before being placed back after news spread online. Though she remains listed as a member of the active roster, another online sign would confirm that she is no longer affiliated with the organization.

Sky is advertised to appear on iPPV for Pro Wrestling Syndicate on September 14—event taking place at the Rahway Recreation Center in Rahway, New Jersey. Though contracted TNA Wrestling talent are permitted to appear for independent wrestling promotions, they are prohibited from appearing on shows which are broadcast.

– TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter announced Wednesday that an Interim General Manager for Impact Wrestling will be appointed in the opening segment of Thursday’s live show.

“While Hulk Hogan is recovering, I’ve asked another man to step in and take control,” she tweeted. “He appears right at 8/7 Central on (Spike TV) tomorrow.

– Tickets for TNA Wrestling’s Bound For Glory pay-per-view event on October 14 in Phoenix, Arizona go on sale this Friday (10:00 a.m. MST/1:00 p.m. EDT) at the Grand Canyon University Arena box office, GCUArena.com or charge by phone at 602-639-8999.

– Lilian Garcia’s new, extended play (EP) album will be officially released on August 19, the same date as SummerSlam and the SmackDown ring announcer’s birthday.

The six track follow-up to her 2007 premiere album, ¡Quiero Vivir, will be primarily English based, with five of the songs being produced by Grammy-Nominated Producer Oh, Hush! and one by Grammy-Award winners George Noriega and Tim Mitchell. Among the tracks will be a remake of Coldplay’s “Fix You.”

“It’s really exciting for me to be back with the WWE Universe,” Garcia says. “They have always embraced me musically, whether with the honor of singing ‘America the Beautiful’ or integrating the next big step in my music career.”

To view the cover, click here. The album is available for pre-order at LilianGarcia.com.

– WWE Superstars answer your sports questions on the latest episode of WWE Inbox.

To add more confusion to Velvet Sky’s contractual status with TNA Wrestling, the popular female grappler’s profile was removed from the company website’s roster index Wednesday and promptly placed back after word spread online.

Since TNA rarely acknowledges talent departures, a profile removal from the roster page of ImpactWrestling.com generally indicates a parting of ways. On the other hand, Ric Flair remains listed as a member of the active roster after TNA terminated his contract on May 11, 2012, according to court documents filed in their lawsuit against WWE for interference with existing contracts. The page edit comes on the heels of multiple online outlets reporting earlier this week that she was on her way out of the company due to a contract dispute.

Sky, who has been with TNA since the inception of the Knockouts division in October 2007, last appeared for the organization at a BaseBrawl event in Memphis, Tennessee on July 14. She is presently booked for a Legends of the Ring convention in Monroe, New Jersey the same weekend that TNA holds its annual Bound for Glory festivities. She has tweeted recently about holding a “Beautiful People” reunion tour outside of TNA auspices with Angelina Love, who recently left the company.

– In a newly published interview with Maxim, The Bella Twins say they look forward to returning to WWE in the future.

When asked to address their whereabouts since parting ways with the sports entertainment organization in April, Brie states, “We’ve been keeping busy! In August you can see us on Ridiculousness on MTV, and in September we’ll be sharing some thoughts about Tim Tebow on the NFL Network. But honestly, the WWE is a huge family, and we look forward to going back.”

Having been involved with professional wrestling industry for five years, they are asked what made then enter it in the first place. Nikki says, “We weren’t even allowed to watch wrestling as kids, but our friends always told us we’d be perfect for it. Then we did Diva Search and saw what it was all about. We were like, “Wait, you get to kick girls’ butts and look hot doing it? This is so our calling!”

The twin duo also discuss growing up together, whether men not familiar with wrestling have trouble believing they’re actual wrestlers, their favorite thing to do together and more. The full interview is available here.

– SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia announced on Twitter that she will appear on morning talk show Good Day L.A. on Thursday, which airs from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. and is simulcast live on MyFoxLA.com.

Mr. Anderson joined Washington Redskins defensive end Adam Carriker and Chuck Carroll on this week’s “4th & Pain”—the only pro wrestling show hosted by an NFL player. More information on the show is available at 4thandpain.com. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

Is he still happy in pro wrestling?: “I really am. And I think I’ve been reinvigorated. I took some time off a few months back… I took about four months off and took care of some personal things and just cleared my head. I’ve been in the business now for 13 years and was part of that major wrestling corporation for six or seven years. And the fact that we don’t have an offseason and we go 52 weeks each year–that’s what a lot of people don’t realize–it does take its toll on your body, takes its toll on your mind. I will say that it’s gone in waves. I’ve had some big ups in my career and I’ve had some lows. But overall I’m happy with every single thing I’ve done. I’m happy with the mistakes that I’ve made because I’ve learned from those mistake. I’m very happy with our company right now and the direction that it’s going. I hope our fans are as excited about it as we are.”

How he got the idea to announce his name twice: “The microphone fun and two-time name announcing began in high school when he was tasked with creating a fake radio advertisement for invisible underwear. No, we’re not making this up.”

The teacher encouraged him to get into radio and shortly there after he began announcing for the school’s basketball games. It was there he would “add a little flare” and say the last names of the players twice.

Flash forward 15 years later he was in Ohio Valley Wrestling and it happened . . .

“I’m down at OVW and Paul Heyman suggested to me that I go out to the ring and announce myself,” Anderson told the 4th & Pain crew. “And that was just something… I threw in the last Anderson, the second Anderson and I came I came back through the curtain everybody was like, ‘That was awesome when you said your last name twice.’ And it turned out that was what it took to get me to the dance. It seems so stupid, but just saying my last name twice… It’s just those little things. ”

When Anderson’s wrestling days are over he will have a future as a journalist. He asked Adam a question he’d never been asked in the three years he’s been with the Redskins. The answer, for Redskins fans, was shocking!

Following Monday’s historic 1,000th episode of Raw, friends and former rivals Trish Stratus and Lita reunited backstage for an exclusive WWE.com video to talk about their big moment on the program—main-eventing against each other on December 6, 2004.

Lita says of the match, “We killed it,” before showing off a Stratusphere™ T-Shirt Trish gave her. Trish adds, “Our match was epic,” with both proclaiming they were “the boys” that evening.

Lita was asked about prevailing over Heath Slater on Monday’s show and revealed she felt bad for him since there were fifteen “of us” out there. Trish says Heath was a good sport about getting beat up.

The defining Divas are then asked which girl is going to lead Raw into show 2000. Trish doesn’t think anyone can while Lita says it’s up in the air and challenges any girl to “grab that brass ring.”

Trish adds, “Take it, if you dare…”

Trish and Lita are show eating cupcakes in the video. Lita added on Twitter: “That was the first of many cupcakes to follow that evening. #FAT1000 #topbitches.” Trish responds, “We earned those cupcakes #kickingasstakingnamesfor6years.”

The New World Order created chaos in the ranks of World Championship Wrestling as the renegade faction sought success by any means necessary. Now, group founder Kevin Nash is looking to reform the nefarious faction and run roughshod over the world of wrestling once again.

“A lot of you wanted an NWO reunion, there will be one. As you know we only come in take over mode. Stay tuned!!!,” he announced Tuesday night via Twitter.

The group’s reformation could take place in WWE and if Nash has his wish fulfilled, with CM Punk as their leader. Nash tweeted to a fan that he wants the WWE Champion as group captain with the “NWO army to protect the gold.”

“Rock will never walk out of the Rumble with the belt. We got Phil’s back,” he adds.

Meanwhile, TNA Wrestling executive Eric Bischoff re-tweeted Nash’s announcement reading “A lot of you wanted an NWO reunion, there will be one. As you know we only come in take over mode. Stay tuned!!!”

WWE announced the new #1 contender to World Hvt. champion Sheamus will be determined in a fatal four-way match. The wrestlers are Rey Mysterio, Kane, Daniel Bryan, and Alberto Del Rio.

(1) IC champion The Miz beat Christian to retain the Intercontinental Title. Christian said he’s invoking his re-match clause. Miz retained with a schoolboy and handful of tights. Good match. Lots of nearfalls.

World Hvt. champion Sheamus will face Cody Rhodes tonight.

(2) Ryback beat Jinder Mahal via count-out. Jinder walked out of the match. Ryback sold far too much.

(3) World Hvt. champion Sheamus beat Cody Rhodes with the Brogue Kick in a non-title match. Dolph Ziggler came out mid-match, then teased cashing in afterward, but walked off. But, Chris Jericho jumped Ziggler, rolled him into the ring, and Dolph took the Brogue Kick followed by Codebreaker from Jericho.

(4) Antonio Cesaro beat U.S. champion Santino in a non-title match.

(5) Damien Sandow beat Yoshi Tatsu.

Triple H made his advertised off-camera appearance dropping Sandow with a Pedigree (which follows Hunter taking out Sandow during the DX skit on Raw).

(6) Alberto Del Rio beat Rey Mysterio, Kane, and Daniel Bryan in a four-way #1 contender match to the World Title. Del Rio stole Rey’s pin on Bryan post-619 and pinned Bryan with Ricardo Rodriguez’s help.

(source: Pro Wrestling Torch)

Speaking to WWE Magazine, CM Punk reveals the most ridiculous thing John Laurinaitis ever said to him—comparing himself to three of the greatest wrestlers of all-time.

“He always tries to tell me some kind of stories that relate to whatever I’m going through at the time with him and his career in Japan. Maybe there are some parallels,” Punk recalls. “One time, he compared himself to Hulk Hogan, Randy “Macho Man” Savage and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin when he talked about signature finishers and whatever the set up was. Hogan would tuck his hand to his ear. Austin would do the double-bird. Savage would point to the sky before dropping his respective finisher. Then he threw his in there—it was the Peace Sign followed by the Ace Crusher.

“I was just dumbfounded that he had the gall to throw his name and his hat in with those historic Superstars.”

Punk was also asked who, other himself, will he play as in the upcoming WWE ’13 video game.

“Mike Tyson!” Punk states. “Yeah, it’s the first time that he’s been in a wrestling title, as far as I know. The last time he was in a video game was Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! So how awesome is that!? For sure—I’m going to knock you out.”

– After AJ decided not to marry Daniel Bryan on Raw, it was revealed she accepted a proposal from Vince McMahon to become the new permanent Raw General Manager. She stated on Twitter Tuesday evening that she has big things planned.

“Big meetings this week at WWE HQ. Things are about to get VERY interesting. #Raw1001 #businesschucks.”

– Two matches were taped Tuesday night in Kansas City, Missouri for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars: Sin Cara vs. Drew McIntyre and WWE Divas Champion Layla vs. Natalya.

In dark match results, Zack Ryder defeated Heath Slater via Rough Ryder while Jey and Jimmy Uso beat Camacho and Hunico. Both Usos hit Hunico with the Superfly Splash for the pinfall victory.

– Former WWE Superstar Headbanger Mosh weighed in on Monday’s landmark Raw episode via Twitter: “Thought #RAW1000 was pretty good (from what I saw) only thing missing was @steveaustinBSR.”

– Chris Jericho, who is not advertised to appear at tonight’s SmackDown taping in Kansas City, Missouri, issued a Tout message this afternoon stating that he was cruising down the highway to the event.

– Despite his character’s removal from television weeks ago, John Laurinaitis continues to work non-televised matches. A Handicap Match featuring the former Raw General Manager and Big Show versus John Cena has been announced to take place at the September 24 Raw taping emanating from Times Union Center in Albany, New York.

Talent advertised to appear at the event include CM Punk, Randy Orton, Sheamus, Kane, Daniel Bryan, Dolph Ziggler, Christian, Kofi Kingston, Cody Rhodes, Sin Cara and Santino Marella.

– WWE will hold a SmackDown live event at the Civic Center in Anderson, South Carolina on December 2. The event starts at 5:00 p.m.

– Randy Orton, who is currently serving a 60-day suspension for his second violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program, was backstage at Monday’s Raw emanating from his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri.

– WWE Hall of Famer Edge has been announced to appear at the House of Hardcore’s debut on October 6 at Poughkeepsie, New York. Other talent slated for the show include Tommy Dreamer, Scott Steiner, Rick Steiner, Chris Masters, The Sandman, Daivari, Jazz, Luke Gallows, The Young Bucks, Hale Collins and Sami Callihan.

– The July 21 episode of A.M. Raw draw a 0.34 cable rating, with 377,000 viewers.

– Jim Ross commented on Monday’s Raw via Twitter: “I really enjoyed my time in St Louis..#RAW1000 was a heck of a production. Pleased I got to visit the announce desk. Thx WWE & Twitterverse.”

(source: PWInsider.com)

– WWE Superstars announcer Matt Striker heavily praised Stephanie McMahon upon seeing her on Monday’s landmark edition of Raw.

“Not just saying this but Stephanie is great. She’s beautiful, witty, athletic, creative and gets a better reaction than those who THINK they’re over,” he wrote on Twitter. “They can fire me tomorrow and I’d still stand by my last tweet.”

– The planned title for WWE’s Brock Lesnar DVD and Blu-ray release is Brock Lesnar: Here Comes the Pain – Collector’s Edition, reports WWEDVDNews.com. The title will include the documentary featured in the 2003 DVD release Brock Lesnar – Here Comes the Pain!, as well as 30 minutes of new content, plus career matches.

Brock Lesnar: Here Comes the Pain – Collector’s Edition will be released on October 30, 2012.

– Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis will face Eddie Edwards and Sara Del Rey at Ring of Honor’s Boiling Point iPPV on August 11 in Providence, Rhode Island.

– For the past ten years, video content from WWE’s “Attitude Era” (1998–2002) has been edited due to a lawsuit with the World Wide Fund for Nature over the WWF initials. All WWF “scratch” logos and references to the initials had to be blurred or edited out. This directive has now changed, at least in part.

In regards to the former “scratch” logo appearing unaltered in video packages on Monday’s Raw, multiple sources within the company say use of the symbol in flashback sequences is now permitted, so brief clips no longer have to be blurred. However, it is unclear whether the permission extends to complete matches and other archival footage. One source believes the company wants to develop a strategy to cease the logo blurring before the launch of the WWE Network.

– KPLR 11 St. Louis has a story on WWE celebrating 1,000 episodes of Raw with remarks from Stephanie McMahon.

“It beats The Simpsons, believe it or not Lassie and Gunsmoke were the last record holders and we beat the pants off them,” said McMahon.

She also says that her father, Vince McMahon, is her idol and mentor.

“He’s taught me everything that I know basically. He has many, many, mantras and some are not repeatable. But, the bottom line is you have to work hard, play hard. Live hard and love hard. As long as you do all those things you’ll be successful.” she said.

(source: PWInsider.com)

Velvet Sky could be leaving Total Nonstop Action Wrestling just as her former “Beautiful People” mate Angelina Love did. ProWrestling.net has confirmed PWInsider.com’s report that the popular grappler is on the verge of parting ways with company due to a contract dispute.

Bruce Prichard, who serves as Talent Relations for the organization, has reportedly asked numerous wrestlers to restructure their contracts. A company source says some talent who have time remaining on their deals are among those being asked to restructure, even if they’re due for raises. Many of those individuals believe they are being presented with “take it or leave it” type offers. Sky is not believed to be among those asked to restructure their contract, but rather, her contract is expiring. She has told colleagues that she is not happy with how the negotiations are going.

Sky, who has been with TNA since the inception of the Knockouts division in October 2007, last appeared at a BaseBrawl event in Memphis, Tennessee on July 14. She is presently booked for a Legends of the Ring convention in Monroe, New Jersey the same weekend that TNA holds its annual Bound for Glory festivities. Sky often responds to online rumors via Twitter, but has yet to address the matter.

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin, who Vince McMahon has dubbed the greatest star in the history of Monday Night Raw, was noticeably absent from Monday’s 1000 episode celebration. The legendary wrestler addressed his absence from the program with an explanation on his official website, BrokenSkullRanch.com.

“The reason I did not attend RAW 1,000 was because I underwent a major knee surgery on my left knee on July 2, 2012. Dr. Neal ElAttrache of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles, CA performed the surgery,” he states.

Austin says the surgery was a complete success, but he remains on crutches and recently began physical therapy.

He continues, “STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN IS A 100% ASS KICKING MACHINE. There was no way I was going to limp down the ramp on crutches for RAW 1,000. It was time to get my knee fixed. The decision to no-show RAW 1,000 was made by me and no one else. I have always taken pride in making my shots and have never faked an injury or illness. Pro Wrestling is a tough game and it was time to pay the piper for some of the damage I incurred in the ring. No gripes. No complaints.

“To the fans that were hoping to see SCSA, I’m sorry I missed the show. I would have loved to be there under different circumstances. I normally keep my personal business to myself, but due to feedback and incorrect speculation, I have posted this blog and given the 411 on why I was not at RAW 1,000.”

Former WWE Diva Maxine, real name Karlee Perez, joined Diva-Dirt.com for her first exclusive post-WWE interview to talk about why she decided to leave WWE, her reported frustration at her upward mobility in the company and more.

Karlee, a Criminology graduate, is obviously very intelligent and that certainly comes across as she talks to us about how she developed her unique character, wanting to be unlike other Divas, not being afraid to be a heel, and not being afraid to be more aggressive in the ring.

Perez discusses her storyline with Derrick Bateman and Johnny Curtis on NXT Redemption which lasted 66 weeks and saw several twists and turns throughout its run.

There’s plenty more discussed also, including the Divas, her start in WWE, working in FCW, the all-Divas season of NXT and her future plans.

Listen to the full interview here:

On why she wanted to leave WWE: “I don’t know if it was something specific or things over time. WWE, there’s pros and cons with the company. It was a company I enjoyed working for. I was able to use tools and broaden myself, and make myself better as an entertainer because of the company and I was very grateful for that. The climb to the top, and the fighting to get to that spot — there’s so many talented people in the company, and there’s so many talented people that aren’t utilized. It’s politics, and I don’t always agree with it. It doesn’t matter [if I do], because you’re either in it or you’re not, and you have to deal with what is handed to you. After NXT [Redemption] that I did with Derrick [Bateman] and Johnny [Curtis] — I think we did 66 weeks or so, I really wanted to keep that as entertaining as people even though we were given the short end of the stick, and even given the short end of the stick, I thought we did a hell of a job. So that was for me the chance to prove that I deserve a chance. After sitting for a while, and the chance not really coming, I just decided to take it in my own hands and make a chance for myself which is what I did.”

Reaction to her decision & making the hard decision to move on: “I didn’t feel like I was moving forward. Even though a lot of fans said that, ‘Why didn’t you just wait? You should’ve been patient’. It isn’t really about patience – they like to tell us it’s about patience, but it’s not. Nobody can say you should’ve been patient, if you don’t know long you’re waiting for, so that can really — yeah, it can get you frustrated. That wasn’t the only reason I left. There was other things. It wasn’t just out of frustration like people say it was. It was a mixture of feelings, and that was just one reason. By the end of it, I wasn’t frustrated anymore. I accepted it. By the end of me leaving, it was a bit of a shock that I did it, but I accepted it. The feelings are tough, sitting there waiting, going backwards, and taking the jump — it’s tough.”

The Divas realizing the grass may not always be greener in WWE: “It makes you think, and I think that’s what happened when I did that and my other colleagues and Divas found out. I think they actually thought about what they were doing for the company, and if they were the ones sitting on the sidelines, I’m sure they thought twice also. There’s some beautiful, bright women in the business and everyone has something to bring to the table, something different. I told management when I asked for my release, ‘I wanted to bring you something you didn’t have’ and I feel I did that. I put a lot of effort and time to make myself as diverse as possible, so there was no other Maxine — so Maxine would have a spot no matter what. I don’t know if it was political, or timing, or whatnot, I just didn’t see the spot being built anytime soon. It might’ve been three, four, five… who knows how many years? I think a lot of the girls are feeling like that right now because for some of them, it’s already been three years and they still haven’t had time. So, what is it? Another three years, and then another three years?”

– On Backstage Fallout, John Cena was asked about unsuccessfully cashing in the Money in the Bank briefcase on Raw against CM Punk. He responded, “My mistake.”

Cena continues, “We all know I’ve had issues with CM Punk in the past, but it’s been (pause), the word respect comes up. If you’re the champ, nobody has any loyalty to anything. The word respect comes to mind, even when we’re at each other’s throats. It just respect. I go back to Money in the Bank when Vince went to throw it out and I told him no, and I lost. My watch, my terms, and I respect that.”

The Miz, Heath Slater and Daniel Bryan also react to Raw events.

– After AJ decided not to marry Daniel Bryan on Raw, it was revealed she accepted a proposal from Vince McMahon to become the new permanent Raw General Manager. Vickie Guerrero, a former General Manager of the program, weighed in on the matter via Twitter.

“Feelings about @Aj? Her reign in office will be short lived…no experience, maturity, and support….she will learn she needs to grow up,” Guerrero wrote.

– TNA star and former WWE star Kurt Angle tweeted on Raw, “Did not watch Raw 1000 Episode. Was on Honeymoon. Heard It Was Great.”

– After WWE’s milestone 1000th episode of Raw went off the air, The Rock and John Cena double-teamed Big Show. Cena hits Show with the Attitude Adjustment, which placed him into position for a People’s Elbow. The Rock, however, didn’t have an elbow pad, so Cena gave him his “Cenation” armband. The Rock spoke on the microphone and said Cena must use headbands as arm bands since no one’s arms are that huge. The Great One then hit The People’s Elbow on Show as Cena left up the ramp. The Rock thanked everyone and posed with a few fans. Show remained in the ring as the house lights come on.

– Former WWE Diva Torrie Wilson turns 37-years-old on Tuesday.

– Sean Mooney, the first person to appear on the premiere episode of Raw in 1993, resurfaced on Monday’s show as he conducted a backstage interview with Daniel Bryan. Zack Ryder reacted to his return on Twitter: “I met Sean Mooney tonight…#SSSIIICCCKKK.”

– James Yun, who appeared as Akio and Jimmy Wang Yang for WWE, weighed in on Monday’s milestone addition of Raw. He tweeted, “I really enjoy the 1000 episode of #raw tonight I find it really cool that i can say I was on that show a few times.”

– The Undertaker, who reunited the Brothers of Destruction on Raw, is today’s featured Superstar on WWE.com.

Velvet Sky has either finished or will be finishing up with TNA Wrestling shortly, according to numerous sources within the organization. One source noted Monday night that she is “as gone as can be without having pen to paper.”

Her status with the organization has been tenuous for several weeks, although she’s been in negotiations for a new contract. However, many believe she is on her way out of the company.

Sky last appeared for TNA at a BaseBrawl event in Memphis, Tennessee on July 14. She is presently booked for a Legends of the Ring convention in Monroe, New Jersey the same weekend that TNA holds its annual Bound for Glory festivities.

Sky is one of the most popular females in TNA and has been with the company since the advent of the Knockouts division in October 2007. A former Knockouts and Knockouts Tag Team Champion, she was recent cast in a Montgomery Gentry music video through the company.

Her former “Beautiful People” mate, Angelina Love, also recently left the promotion.

(source: PWInsider.com)

– Sources within TNA Wrestling have confirmed that Bully Ray and Devon’s respective contracts with the organization will expire in four to five weeks. Both wrestlers have been negotiating new contracts with management but no movement has been made towards agreements being reached.

Bully Ray underwent an incredible career resurgence after retooling his character following the split of Team 3D in late 2010. Likewise, Devon underwent a career rebirth following the split and now reigns as Television Champion. Both assist young talent, with Bully Ray working behind the scenes as an agent and Devon wrestling them at both television and house show events.

– TNA Wrestling producer Eric Bischoff, who reigned as General Manager of Raw from 2002 to 2005, congratulated his former employer on reaching 1000 episodes Monday.

“Congrats to the team at WWE on an amazing 1000 episodes. Phenomenal achievement!” he tweeted.

– Tara, who accidentally noted on Twitter that she was in St. Louis, Missouri on Monday, the site of Raw, said she didn’t go to the show. She tweeted, “I didn’t go to @WWE #RAW1000 but I haven’t ruled out #RAW2000. For now, you can see me this Thursday night on @IMPACTWRESTLING.”

(source: PWInsider.com)

The historic 1,000th episode of Raw saw members of the first two incarnations of D-Generation X reunited in the ring to deliver a special message to Damien Sandow. One former member, however, was noticeably absent: Chyna. She addressed this via Twitter, while also remembering the late Eddie Guerrero, who she partnered with in 2000:

https://twitter.com/chynachyna9/status/227582613978763264

https://twitter.com/chynachyna9/status/223980514401468416

https://twitter.com/chynachyna9/status/227583070885257217

https://twitter.com/chynachyna9/status/227583418081357824

https://twitter.com/chynachyna9/status/227583883649110016

https://twitter.com/chynachyna9/status/227584468259581952

– Chris Jericho released a Tout video from the site of tonight’s landmark edition of Raw noting that grappling greats will be on hand for the festivities.

“You won’t believe the special guests that are here tonight,” Jericho said. “It’s a who’s who of the history of this show.”

– WWE announced via press release that Outasight’s chart-topping single “Tonight Is The Night” will be the official theme song of its 1000th episode of Monday Night Raw. The song will be integrated into the telecast tonight at 8/7C on USA Network.

– Former WWE Superstar Goldust confirmed on Twitter that he will not be on hand for tonight’s landmark edition of Raw. He did, however, wish WWE good luck.

– Jim Ross tweeted Monday afternoon: “Backstage feels like being @ an all star game. I’m loving this day. #Raw1000 @ 8/7 central!”

Variety has published an article on WWE’s expanded social media presence, with comments from Stephanie McMahon, With the expansion of Raw to three-hours WWE plans to offer fans the chance to influence what occurs during the show through online polls and hashtag voting during the first hour that then play out in the third.

“We’re going to use social media in a more enhanced fashion,” besides just promotion, McMahon told Variety. “Our fans will affect some type of content in the show every week.”

Doing so “keeps your audience tuned into the broadcast for the entire three hours,” McMahon believes.

“What our audience wants is great creative; it’s what any audience wants,” McMahon said. “We need to provide content across every different platform so that our fans can engage across any device they prefer. Every property is struggling with that. As long as you are everywhere, you keep and grow your audience as well.”