– All September, WWE’s 2012 video release The Rock: The Epic Journey of Dwayne Johnson on pay-per-view. The following preview has been released.

http://youtu.be/r9ZC0g2cdg8

– Cranky Vince, a popular Twitter account parodying head chief Vince McMahon, is gone from Twitter. It disappeared Friday after having posted several messages mocking WWE’s partnership with Tout.

The account would spoof McMahon’s demeanor and mindset with random musings depicting the WWE Chairman as eccentric, maniacal and drug-addled. It had drawn alarming concern from organization officials since last year, who believed it was being controlled by an employee within proximity of McMahon due to the eerie nature of the tweets. The account would often post messages based on things he had legitimately done or said at work—sometimes moments after occurring.

– After making his first appearance inside a WWE ring since 2004 on Monday’s Raw SuperShow, Rikishi is today’s featured Superstar on WWE.com.

TNA Impact Wrestling announced Thursday that Chavo Guerrero, Jr. has signed a contract with the promotion and will debut on next week’s edition of Impact Wrestling:

LEGENDARY GUERRERO WRESTLING FAMILY’S CHAVO GUERRERO, JR INKS DEAL WITH TNA IMPACT WRESTLING

Third generation wrestling standout to debut in the ring Thursday, July 26, live on SPIKE TV!

TNA IMPACT WRESTLING’s President Dixie Carter announced the signing of Chavo Guerrero, Jr. via twitter. He will make his IMPACT WRESLTING debut on Thursday, July 26 on SPIKE TV. This signing means that two members of the legendary Guerrero family are part of the TNA family; as Chavo is the nephew of TNA commentator Hector Guerrero. Tune in Thursdays at 8:00pm ET to catch IMPACT WRESTLING live on Spike TV.

Hailing from one of the more storied and successful families in the pro wrestling arena, the Guerrero family has racked up more championship titles and accolades than anyone. He is the son of Chavo, Sr. and his grandfather and patriarch of the Guerrero family, the late Gory Guerrero, is still one of the most famous wrestlers in Mexico.

Having competed all over the world for various promotions, Chavo has won a number of championship gold, including a tag-team gold with his late uncle Eddie Guerrero. Prior to signing with TNA, he appeared on the highly successful ratings giant Ring Ka King in India.

As reported earlier, WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch checked into a rehabilitation program sponsored by WWE on Monday morning. She was admitted to an emergency room late Friday night for consuming nearly two gallons of vodka (figure according to RF Video), and her boyfriend, independent wrestler Damien Darling, insisted that she seek professional help.

According to Bryan Alvarez of F4Wonline.com, she attributes her erratic behavior in recent months, which has led to her no-showing multiple wrestling events she was scheduled to perform on, to depression stemming from loneliness. The couple have a long-distance relationship as they only spend time together on weekends and on Mondays she often becomes depressed and subsequently behaves in an erratic manner through the week. The website says she has had “several bad Fridays” but last week’s ordeal was serious enough that Darling gave her an ultimatum; either enter rehab or they were through.

RF Video was scheduled to film Sytch’s wrestling road travels last week but her untimely fall of the wagon nixed plans. She then offered to participate in a “shoot” interview on Sunday, which was more or less an intervention, as she spilled her soul on her myriad of problems. She was asked on at least three occasions whether she was comfortable laying everything out on the table and said she wanted to go public with her personal issues not to mention that she considered it the first step in cleansing her inner being.

Dave Meltzer stated in 2005 in his Wrestling Observer Newsletter obituary for Sytch’s late boyfriend Chris Candido that her refusal to enter a rehabilitation center led to her premature termination from WWE, then known as the World Wrestling Federation, in the summer of 1998. After repeated no-shows and questionable excuses, particularly when she claimed to executive Linda McMahon that she had miscarried a child and was unable to produce medical documentation, was asked to enter rehab. She refused and was fired as a result. She entered rehab at least once years later, but was unable to cease her substance abuse.

– On last week’s episode of Impact Wrestling, a mysterious group of masked men known as “The Aces and Eights” attacked both Hulk Hogan and Sting at the show’s conclusion. Two of the attackers were former WWE performers—Wes Brisco, a former developmental wrestler, and the wrestler formerly known as Luke Gallows. Gallows has participated in all of the group’s attacks while Brisco debuted last week. For the time being, the wrestlers taking part in the angle are being used as extras rather than full-fledged characters.

It was also noted that former WWE Superstar Chris Masters, who has been campaigning via Twitter to join the organization after working a dark match last month, has not taken part in the angle.

– Jesse Sorensen appeared at Destination X on July 8 to address his neck injury and hope that Zema Ion captures the vacant TNA X Division Championship so he can take the title away from him. He then vowed to reign as X Division Champion at next year’s Destination X pay-per-view event and cash in the title to become the TNA World Heavyweight Champion. Despite the angle being put in gear, Sorensen’s return to the squared circle remains indefinite as it could take place anywhere from three to ten months from now.

(source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– After last month’s Slammiversary pay-per-view event drew approximately 15,000 buys, the purchase number for the Destination X show on July 8 fell to 9,000 buys, according to early estimates. This is approximately the same level their pay-per-view events garner with the exception of Slammiversary, Lockdown and Bound for Glory.

Destination X was headlined by Austin Aries vs. Bobby Roode for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship and an X Division Tournament to determine a new TNA X Division Champion.

– Christopher Daniels’ performance in the ongoing Claire Lynch angle has drawn high marks from TNA Wrestling honchos Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan. The 41-year-old had acting experience before entering professional wrestling as he performed in theater.

– Velvet Sky has been announced to appear for Impact Championship Wrestling on September 29 at The Armenian Cultural & Educational Center 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown, Massachusetts 02472. She will be in action and will also accompany Danny Demanto for his match against Sami Callihan.

– Spike TV has canceled Impact Wrestling recap program TNA Rewind, F4WOnline.com confirmed Wednesday.

Last Thursday’s premiere episode, the first hour of what was tapped to be a weekly three-hour block of TNA Wrestling programming, drew an anemic 0.2 cable rating. This rating is approximately one-third of what the network typically garners in the 7:00 p.m. Thursday time slot.

The program will continue to air online via ImpactWrestling.com.

– According to Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer, TNA Wrestling officials are hopeful that their efforts toward improving the product will result in better business numbers by this fall, whether it’s increased pay-per-view buys or attendance.

Meltzer adds, “I think everyone realizes that the people who gave up on TNA are not going to come back quickly, and word-of-mouth, even today when you’ve got social media, can’t turn things around. They realize they have a lot to do to rebuild fan trust in the product.”

– Mickie James, who has not appeared for TNA Wrestling since losing to TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Miss Tessmacher on the June 21 episode of Impact Wrestling, competed at an independent wrestling event last Friday. She put over Rachel Summerlyn for 2CW.

A licensing inquiry by THQ led one songwriter to file a federal lawsuit against WWE, WWE-owned company Stephanie Music Publishing, Inc., WWE employee Michael Seitz (a/k/a Michael “P.S.” Hayes) and WWE employee James Alan Johnston (a/k/a Jim Johnston). According to a lawsuit filed by songwriter James D. Papa, the sports entertainment organization redirected royalty payments to several wrestling related songs he either wrote or co-wrote by securing the rights to music unlawfully.

The songs in question are featured in the 1992 WCW compilation album Slam Jam 1 and were used as entrance themes by wrestlers. The songs include “Badstreet USA” (The Fabulous Freebirds), “Don’t Step To Ron” (Ron Simmons), “Man Called Sting” (Sting), “Mr. Bang Bang” (Cactus Jack), “Master of the DDT” (Jake “The Snake” Roberts), “Freebird Forever” (The Fabulous Freebirds), “Simply Ravishing” (“Ravishing” Rick Rude), “Johnny B. Badd,” “The Natural” (“The Natural” Dustin Rhodes) “The Dragon” (Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat), “He’s Smokin” (Barry Windham) and “Steinerized” (The Steiner Brothers).

Papa says he was contacted by video-game company THQ for permission to license “Badstreet USA” for its Legends of WrestleMania title that was released in March 2009. The lawsuit alleges, “THQ’s records showed the song to be owned by World Wrestling Entertainment.” The suit continues:

“As a result of the confusion, Papa contacted BMI to ensure that ‘Badstreet USA’ was properly registered to him and his companies. Upon his investigation, Papa learned that ‘Badstreet USA’ had been improperly and erroneously reregistered by Defendants and been given a new registration number, resulting in the royalties being redirected to Defendants. Eventually, through working with BMI, Papa was able to correct the registration to properly reflect his ownership in the work. However, by the time the registration was corrected, THQ had decided not to use the song.”

The suit says, “His investigation revealed a systematic pattern of errors and omissions by WWE personnel that effectively misappropriated Papa’s musical works and deprived the Plaintiffs of royalty payments that would have been paid but for these errors and omissions.” According to BMI.com, “Mr. Bang Bang” has two separate registration numbers: one for Papa, another that credits James Alan Johnston as songwriter and Stephanie Music Publishing as publisher. Johnston is WWE’s longtime music composer while Stephanie Music Publishing is a company owned by Vince McMahon that was named after his daughter, Stephanie.

Papa says his songs have appeared on myriad places including numerous video releases, broadcasts of cable television shows and on-demand programming, without his permission and without receiving financial compensation. He is seeking royalties paid (plus pre- and post- judgment interest) on the sale of videos, computer games, the sale or licensing of ring tones, and the broadcasts of cable television shows and on-demand programming; a preliminary and permanent injunction to halt the use of the copyrighted materials; an order directing the named defendants to file a report detailing how they have complied with the injunction; reimbursement for legal fees; and a trial by jury where the court will determine damages. He also wants the court to certify that he owns the rights to the music.

The entire complaint is available here.

John Cena and ex-wife Elizabeth Huberdeau have reached a settlement in their divorce proceedings, according to TMZ.com.

It was previously reported that Huberdeau felt “blindsided” when Cena unexpectedly filed for divorce in May. Huberdeau was convinced the WWE Superstar was unfaithful during their marriage and had vowed to prove it in court. Her attorney Raymond Rafool stated then they were receiving tips of Cena’s extramarital affairs which, if proven true, could have affected their prenuptial agreement.

But now, Rafool tells TMZ.com the former couple have managed to reach a private agreement: “All matters [in the divorce] have been settled and resolved amicably.”

The terms of the settlement are confidential.

– Both Stephanie McMahon and Jim Ross will be in St. Louis, Missouri next Monday, the site of that day’s unprecedented 1000th Raw episode.

The WWE Hall of Famer appeared Wednesday on KREF Sports Talk 1400 The Ref and confirmed he would be on the show. He said he has no idea what his role will be.

McMahon, who participated in a Twitter chat Tuesday and hinted but did not confirm an appearance on Raw, will be in the area that day for a ‘be a STAR’ anti-bullying at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis’ Herbert Hoover location (2901 N. Grand Ave.). She will be joined World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus, The Miz, Eve and American Idol finalist James Durbin. Click here for event details.

– WWE.com has posted a list counting down Rey Mysterio’s ten greatest matches since his 2002 debut in the sports entertainment promotion. His gripping bout against Chris Jericho at The Bash on June 28, 2009 tops the list. Other matches ranked as his greatest include his encounter with Eddie Guerrero at WrestleMania 21, winning the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 22, a Falls Count Anywhere affair with Chavo Guerreroa at No Mercy (2006) and facing Shawn Michaels on the Eddie Guerrero tribute episode of Raw on November 14, 2005.

– WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper is today’s spotlighted Superstar on WWE.com.

(source: PWInsider.com)

WWE “set the record straight” via WWE.com Tuesday regarding its programming and storylines following a negative blog post by Colin McEnroe of the Hartford Courant concerning the mentally challenged character Eugene, who appeared for the organization from 2004 to 2007 and once in 2009. Darien Times writer Joshua Fisher stated in an editorial last week blistering Linda McMahon’s United States Senate campaign that her job creation method included making fun of retarded men, which led McEnroe to describe the former character in an editorial.

He wrote, “Eugene is a mentally retarded WWE character who is, unmistakably, played for laughs. In [the following video], we see him strolling a stadium corner, ogling a skin mag and sporting a huge “my name is Eugene” name tag. He walks into the women’s locker room and “hilarity” ensues. Entirely at his expense. In its latest “how dare you” letter to a Connecticut newspaper, the WWE argues that Eugene is an underdog who repeatedly triumphs. Maybe. That does not change the fact that his mental retardation is essentially a comic device.

“If a video like the one above-linked or the one below surfaced in connection with any other campaign, the candidate would have some serious ‘splainin’ to do. Somehow, because she is associated with so many hundreds of dehumanizing videos, Linda McMahon is inoculated against the shame of any one of them. The thing to remember is that, solely on the strength of a career of spewing out this boorish dross, she claims to deserve one of this nation’s 100 Senate seats.”

McEnroe also enclosed a video of Eugene exclaiming “I want to see her boobies!” to Diva Search contestant Carmella DeCesare on a 2004 episode of Raw.

WWE responded, “It is clear, based on Mr. McEnroe’s latest blog post, that he does not understand WWE’s programming. Like Hollywood movies and Broadway shows, it is an exciting blend of action, characters and fictional storylines of good versus evil that entertains millions weekly. His assertion that the Eugene character was “essentially a comic device” is inaccurate and lacks total perspective.”

In their statement, WWE enclosed a video of the man behind Eugene, Nick Dinsmore, offering a “truthful portrayal” of the character. The sports entertainment organization adds, “We will continue to implore the media to make accurate descriptions of our characters and storylines versus taking sound bites, scenes and footage out of context that mischaracterizes WWE’s content.”

Dinsmore states in the video, “Hi, my name is Nick Dinsmore, and for five years I had the privilege of playing a character on WWE television, Eugene.

“The character Eugene was unique in the fact that he was a person with special needs. The WWE has and continues to showcase a wide variety of characters and a fictious WWE Universe. This WWE Universe comes to you each and every week and entertains millions and millions of fans.

“When I was playing the role of Eugene, I wanted to display a character that had not only special needs, but incredible qualities; honesty, strength, very playful, quite naïve at times. But my favorite quality was his heart and desire. He went after his dreams and achieved at any cost and didn’t let anything stand in his way.

“Once the fans started to see that he could live his dream, he was winning championships, he was meeting his idols, more and more people cheered for Eugene and wanted to see him succeed. No different than in the movie Forrest Gump when he started to do good for himself, everybody cheered him on, everybody wanted him to do better. Eugene’s no different and the people treated him the same way, they wanted to see him succeed. I’m proud that I got to portray a true hero.

“Eugene had a lot of forces, a lot of “bad guys” against him. Probably the meanest, nastiest, dirtiest, devious of them all was the sinister character Mr. McMahon. But even with all those forces against him, Eugene always came out on top—even pinned Mr. McMahon one time.

“I’m proud to have been a part of the WWE, an organization that has the commitment to individuals with special needs. WWE is a proud supporter of The Arc (the world’s largest community-based organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities), Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Special Olympics.

“Nobody ever really came up to me and said, “Oh you’re doing a bad thing, oh, I can’t believe you did this.” If anything, I got a lot of positive affirmation. I met several people with special needs and without a doubt, they would always run to me and just want to hug me. That one instance for them to be able to meet what I hope would be their hero is a little bit indescribable and is an incredible feeling.

“Characters like that have to overcome adversities and face everyday challenges, and they always come out on top.

“It’s Hollywood, where the good guys always win!”

– What’s Trending caught up with former WWE champion Dave “Batista” Bautista last Thursday at the San Diego Comic-Con to chat about his upcoming film, The Man with the Iron Fists, and was asked about possibly returning to WWE.

“I’m not against going back,” Batista said. “It’s just definitely not going to be this year.” (Article link)

– A kid of the ’90s, Kelly Kelly showcases her vast Beanie Baby collection on this week’s webisode of Superstar Toyz.

– The official Twitter feed of WWE has confirmed that WWE Superstars color commentator Matt Striker is now on the website at Matt_Striker_. He was asked whether the nicknames he uses for Superstars on commentary are ad-libbed and responded “All of my insanity is on the fly.I know some dont care for my brand of commentary but opinions r like a**holes, ever1 has ’em.”

– WWE was at one point Tuesday the top trending topic on Yahoo.com.

Stephanie McMahon, WWE’s Executive Vice President of Creative, fielded questions Tuesday via twitter.com/WWEmoms in support of TheOnlineMom.com and suggested that she will be at next Monday’s unprecedented 1000th episode of Raw. The proud mother of three girls answered queries on parenting, WWE’s “be a STAR” anti-bullying initiative, Triple H, Vince McMahon, Vickie Guerrero, women’s wrestling and more.

Q: tell us about yourself?
A: I’m an executive at WWE and proud mother of 3 girls

Q: How old are your girls
A: This summer they will be 6, 4 and 2

Q: what do ur girls think of wrestling & r they interested in doing it ?
A: yes they love to watch their dad and their Pop!

Q: What is it like working with your dad?
A: Challenging and fun

Q: Will you be at #RAW10000 ?
A: tune in at 8pm on USA and find out!

Q: How hard was it to potty train your kids?
A: working on my 2 yr old now…lots of poopy pants to clean up!

Q: Wht is it like working with your husband?
A: truthfully I hardly see him at the office

Q: I heard about the Be A STAR initiative. What’s that all about?
A: be a STAR is WWE’s anti-bullying initiative and it is near and dear to my heart –

Q: How did your husband propose?
A: On one knee:)

Q: what do u think of women wrestling ?
A: love that our programming features strong, smart, athletic women

Q: I love the star program. SO great WWE is doing it
A: 1 out of 4 kids is bullied. As a mom, who has children in school, this is a serious issue

Q: What is your favorite thing about the wwe?
A: that we put smiles on people’s faces :)

Q: How did the WWE get involved in Make a Wish Foundation?
A: WWE has a 30 year relationship with @MakeAWish dating back to when I was a kid.So far we’ve granted over 3500 wishes and counting.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do with your kids?
A: cuddle:)

Q: What more do you hope to accomplish in the near future?
A: Give our fans the best creative experience possible

Q: love to hear more about your great work with the Military. have many family members who appreciate it
A: free tickets, visits to military bases and hospitals, annual special Tribute with the Troops-10yr I am also a proud member of the USO Metropolitan Board of Directors anniversary this year.

Q: is it hard to juggle work & look after your 3 girls? X
A: Constant struggle

Q: If in the future any of your three daughters want to date a WWE superstar, would they receive your blessing to do so????
A: they would have to go through Triple H first.

Q: @SMH4life I’d be willing to bet that Steph isn’t even doing the tweeting. She needs to do an actual chat like in 2002 on MSN
A: you’d lose that bet!

Q: do you ever worry that some stuff might be too edgy for younger kids?
A: WWE programming is PG

Q: Could you imagine picking a girl up for a date & have to talk to her dad, Triple H, first? LOL!
A: My dad had a talk with everyone of my dates first – Vince McMahon is pretty intimidating too!

Q: Do you think it sets a good example for kids watching at home to have Jerry Lawler constantly call Vickie Guerrero fat?
A: Vickie Guerrero is a strong character who stands up for herself

Q: Does the WWE participate in other great causes? Great to discuss with our mommy friends
A: Yes. WrestleMania Reading Challenge and other literacy programs, MDA, @MakeAWish and @beaSTARalliance

Q: who’s your role model
A: My parents

Q: Stephanie any advice on how to balance work, family and making a difference
A: Love your children as hard as you can, be good to people, work hard, play hard.

Thank you everyone for participating and making ?#WWEMoms? trend! See you next Monday night on ?#Raw1000?! ~Steph ?#wwemoms?

A Connecticut newspaper writer has once again drawn the ire of WWE for editorial remarks they feel are inaccurate and damaging to their corporate reputation.

In a May Darien Times editorial criticizing Linda McMahon’s United States Senate campaign, Joshua Fisher dismissed WWE’s product as “barely above pornography.” The article drew a strongly-worded response from WWE in defense of their product, which led Fisher to point out televised incidents that could be defined as pornography, such as Edge and Lita’s unprecedented Live Sex Celebration and Trish Stratus stripping her clothes off and barking like a dog for company chief Vince McMahon.

Fisher wrote another column last week criticizing Linda McMahon where he stated that it’s strange that she says she’s not a career politician “because she can bob and weave a question like some of the best politicians around.” He also dismissed Linda’s boastful proclamations of creating jobs.

He writes, “Mrs. McMahon loves to point out how she’s created jobs. But she does not like to answer questions about those jobs. While CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, she created jobs that included making fun of retarded men, demeaning women and possibly encouraging steroid use — this does not even touch on how it possibly has influenced the future bullies of American schools.”

Fisher’s remarks rattled WWE, who feel his ‘misstatements’ are damaging to their corporate reputation. WWE issued a letter to the Darien TimesTuesday in response to Fisher, which was also published on WWE.com. Darien Times also published the letter, with editor Brian Flinn noting the previous editorial WWE is referring to “is all based on fact.” In the letter, Fisher included links to various videos and articles of matters WWE asserts are inaccurate.

Dear Mr. Fisher:

It is regrettable that we find it necessary to once again point out that you have made inaccurate statements and mischaracterizations in the Darien Times regarding WWE, this time in your editorial on July 12. Although this was an opinion piece, you are still required to report accurately and not distort the truth. This is now at least the second instance in which you have made misstatements that damage WWE’s corporate reputation.

Your assertion that WWE has made “fun of retarded men” is inaccurate, takes our content completely out of context and fails to factually portray a storyline. WWE featured a character — an actor playing a role — named “Eugene,” who was a person with intellectual disabilities. He was often faced with difficult challenges, situations and rivals, including some of the most villainous and dastardly WWE characters. What you failed to convey is that Eugene, like most of WWE’s “good guys,” overcame the obstacles, prevailed and was a hero to our millions of fans.

Your statement that WWE was “demeaning women” is also inaccurate and again takes our content out of context and makes no mention of storylines. WWE has produced a variety of powerful and heroic female characters throughout the years that have come up against malicious villains, who are also actors playing a role. And yes, those “bad guys” do reprehensible things, but they eventually pay a price for their behavior. Our television audience would not be nearly 40 percent female if we were degrading women.

As it relates to the foregoing clarifications, it is important to note that WWE programming, like Hollywood movies and Broadway shows, is an exciting blend of action, characters and fictional storylines of good versus evil that entertains millions every week. Without Darth Vader there is no Luke Skywalker. We, too, create protagonists and antagonists and tell stories of good versus evil.

You also wrote that WWE has been “encouraging steroid use,” which is a blatant misstatement of fact. WWE prohibits steroid use and conducts a minimum of four random drug tests per year for all talent, and any performer that tests positive is suspended. WWE began testing for steroids in 2006, before many major sports leagues, and we currently have one of the most comprehensive talent wellness programs in all of sports and entertainment, managed by world renowned third party medical experts. Additionally, WWE has always encouraged its talent to live a healthy lifestyle, as they are the company’s greatest asset. For more information about WWE’s talent wellness program, please visit corporate.wwe.com.

In your editorial, you also state that WWE “influenced the future bullies of American schools.” The fact is that WWE promotes anti-bullying and has created a global initiative called be a STAR (ShowToleranceAndRespect) designed to teach children how to deal with conflict in the real world. We recognize the power and influence of our brand and spend a considerable amount of time and resources to make sure children understand the difference between what they see on television, where storylines and conflicts are resolved in the ring, versus how to deal with challenges in everyday life.

WWE expects you will print this letter in as public a manner as that in which you made the foregoing false statements. In the future, we request you contact us for factual information about our company before attempting to characterize our programming as you continue to do so erroneously.

Sincerely,

Brian Flinn

Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications

– John Cena announced at the conclusion of Monday’s Raw SuperShow his intention to cash in his Money in the Bank contract on next week’s historic show and face CM Punk for the WWE Championship. The Straight Edge Superstar offered his thoughts on Cena’s challenge on Backstage Fallout.

“Well, I survived tonight. I’m confident I’ll survive next week, but that’s a big challenge and that’s all I ever wanted,” Punk says when asked of Cena’s challenge. “I’ve taken down every single person who’s stepped in front of me and my WWE Championship so far and that includes John Cena. I got no problem beating him again and I got no problem making history on the 1000th Raw and making sure that John Cena is the first person to unsuccessfully cash in his Money in the Bank contract. Either way, take my word for it, [the WWE Championship] is coming home with me.”

The Miz, A.W. and The Prime Time Players also offer their thoughts on Raw events.

– WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch checked into a rehabilitation program sponsored by WWE yesterday after being admitted to an emergency room late Friday night for consuming nearly two gallons of vodka. The trailblazing WWE Diva addressed the matter via Facebook.

“Heartfelt thank yous go out to everyone for your support… Im doing something I need to do for me. I’ll be fine… I promise. xoxoxo,” she wrote Monday night.

In her first interview since filing a lawsuit against TNA last year, Daffney speaks exclusively to Diva Dirt about the extent of her injuries that caused her to file a lawsuit against the company, how she’s feeling now, her future in wrestling and much more.

In this near two hour emotional interview, Daffney opens up about her injuries and lawsuit, as well as discusses her memories of WCW, including whether she had heat on her for winning the Cruiserweight Title, whether she saw the end of WCW coming, what it was like in the infamous Power Plant and more. Daffney talks about her brief time under a WWE contract and her most recent stint in TNA, including being pigeonholed as the “hardcore” Knockout who takes crazy bumps.

Daffney also talks to us about her return to wrestling in an out-of-the-ring capacity with SHINE Wrestling which debuts on iPPV this Friday. The Scream Queen tells us the backstory behind SHINE, how she got involved, her role on the shows and more.

Listen to the full interview here.

Quotes

On being pigeonholed into doing hardcore spots: “It started off as Abyss asking me to take the tacks in the match and I agreed, then I think it snowballed from there. I almost wish I hadn’t been painted in such a light that I was just hardcore and that I couldn’t deliver a good match in the ring. I feel like there’s so much more to my ring work. I may not be the best technical wrestler in the world, but I felt like I had learned enough of my sport that I could deliver some good matches. I don’t think I was ever taken seriously after that. It was like, ‘She’s the one that’s going to go out there and Taylor [Wilde]’s going to jump from the stage and put her through a table, but we’re not actually going to see a good match’. […] Looking back in hindsight, I almost wish things didn’t go that route and that we had just more straight-up matches. I think that might’ve been good for me in the long run.”

The extent of her injuries: “I don’t think people realize how badly I’ve been hurt. […] I was there the night [in WCW] Goldberg kicked Bret [Hart] in the head and he had that crazy concussion. In the beginning of 2000, we were going to England for a tour and Bret was coming to do the tour with us and he was just going to be speaking. He said to me, we were on the bus talking, he said: ‘I don’t think I’ll ever wrestle again’. I was like, wow. How many years has this man been wrestling? This is his entire life and he had a career-ending injury and he won’t be able to do it anymore. [I thought] no, no, just give him some time. As time went on, he just never came back. I’m not comparing my career with his by any means — he’s an icon and he’s Bret Hart — but as time has gone on, I don’t think I’m going to be able to wrestle anymore. I kind of had to think back on him telling me that, and be wise and stay away from the ring to accept it. It’s really hard. I think if I got in the ring and took any more bumps, I wouldn’t be able to function as a normal human being. It would just be too hard on my body.”

Her lawsuit against TNA: “What you guys have read about the details that just came out not too long ago, all of that is true. People expected it to be resolved very quickly, but just know that we’re doing everything we can to move it along as quickly as possible but it takes two sides. It’s still ongoing.”

Daffney on her WWE release in 2003.

An emotional Daffney: “I don’t think I’m going to be able to wrestle anymore.”

The American Males, Marcus Alexander “Buff” Bagwell and Scott Riggs, recently sat down with BDSIR’s Mike Knoxxx, Chris Spotface McClain, Mr. Lopez and KME. During the interview, Bagwell explained his recent arrest on reckless driving.

View Here: Buff Bagwell’s Mugshot Picture

Bagwell says he walked in on his dead friend on April 12 and at the end of April, flipped his Jeep and his doctors put him in a self induced coma for three to four days. He suffered a broken jaw, broken nose, broken eye socket, which were fixed, but had broken his neck again. On July 9, Woodstock police took a warrant for his arrest even though his car was the only one in the accident. He thought he had a seizure (stemming from his accident), which his brainwaves confirmed.

Bagwell says “in the state of Georgia, even if you are God and they take a warrant for your arrest, you’ve got to go to jail, turn yourself in, get fingerprinted and they set a court date and in court you can tell your story.”

Bagwell was going turn himself in on Wednesday and the court knew, but they came over Monday and arrested him anyway because the papers he filed didn’t go through. Following the car accident, his wife told him that it was fourteen years to the day that he broke his neck in WCW (April 22, 1998). Bagwell says he plans on wrestling again soon but hasn’t been medically cleared.

Riggs joins the show.

Knoxxx asks them why WCW took the tag team belts off The American Males in 1995 after only one week. Bagwell says they were the cutting edge of the new generation wrestlers with earrings and goatees since good guys in the early 90s babyfaces were still clean-cut. He says they were fighting an uphill battle from day one but he and Scotty wanted to fight there own battles. He feels they were both good wrestlers

Riggs says Kevin Sullivan and Jimmy Hart were in charge and wanted them to be more like the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express or The Fantastics and they weren’t. He says though the gimmick caught on with fans, it wasn’t what the office wanted.

Bagwell says they respected the veterans but they knew their style was what was coming up. Luger and Sting ragged on them and thought it was uncool and none of the other wrestlers dug it at first but once the nWo came out and had a similar style it was more acceptable.

Bagwell says they were doing music videos before the New World Order did nd WCW spent $80,000 on them. Riggs says they were the only babyface tag team during their run.

Spotface asks about The American Males working a dark match at the 1995 Starrcade. Bagwell says he didn’t mind working a dark match because it meant you were on our way.

Mr. Lopez asks Bagwell about his various partners. Bagwell says he thinks he is the only guy to have the tag belts with about four or five different guys in WCW and that he loves tag team wrestling.

Bagwell says The American Males and Harlem Heat had some of the greatest matches ever in WCW but when he wrestled Booker T in their first match in WWE, it was bad and were booed out of the building.

KME asks Bagwell why WWE had him wrestle Booker T in Tacoma, Washington rather than the site of the following week’s show, Atlanta, Georgia. Bagwell believes they had the match in Tacoma because they planned to fire him.

Bagwell and Riggs also talk about Bagwell’s crowd reaction when Vince McMahon said his name on television, rumors about Bagwell’s mother telling Jim Ross that his son was too sick to work, promises Jim Ross made to Bagwell, Chris Benoit, Bagwell’s fight with Shane Helms, wrestler deaths and more. The full interview is available here.

– As reported earlier, a wedding ceremony is scheduled for next week’s unprecedented 1000th episode of Raw. Following their victory over The Miz and Eve, Daniel Bryan admitted to his tag team partner, “AJ, I love you.” He then got down on one knee and proposed to the “crazy chick.” An emotional AJ said “yes.” The two embraced and led fans to chant “Yes!” to news of their momentous occasion. Both wrestlers then announced on Twitter:

In celebration of our recent engagement, @WWEDanielBryan and I cordially invite you to our wedding ceremony next week LIVE during #Raw1000.

— AJ Mendez (@TheAJMendez) July 17, 2012

WWE diva Eve Torres chimed in with the following insult:

No hard feelings @WWEAJLee. I hope u have a happy life with your slimy, cheating fiancé. I have bigger things to worry about, like #Raw1000

— Eve Torres Gracie (@EveTorresGracie) July 17, 2012

AJ got int he last word:

@EveMarieTorres Oh don't be jealous, you always have Miz. You guys can share a bedazzler and compare the bruises I gave you.

— AJ Mendez (@TheAJMendez) July 17, 2012

– Via Twitter, former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Goldberg responded to rumors suggesting that he will appear on next Monday’s historic 1000th episode of Raw SuperShow: He responded:

It's not true!! RT @mrpops96: @Goldberg there are videos and rumours suggesting that you will be at Raw 1000 is it true?

— Bill Goldberg (@Goldberg) July 17, 2012

He continued:

No offense,I don't just SHOW UP on Raw. As fans I hope you can understand. Now I must Jackhammer this thing sitting next to me on the plane

— Bill Goldberg (@Goldberg) July 17, 2012

– The July 13, 2012 episode of WWE SmackDown scored a 1.82 cable rating, with 2,501,000 viewers.

The episode was up from 1.70 for the previous week’s live Tuesday broadcast. Friday’s show drew the same rating as the last first-run Friday episode on June 29.

– It would appear that Charlie Sheen’s scheduled endeavor to join WWE as their Celebrity Social Media Ambassador for next week’s historic 1,000th episode of Raw SuperShow is off since no mention was made of the award-winning actor on this week’s show. He was scheduled to tweet his unique 140-character analysis of the action before he deleted his account a few days ago.

(source: PWInsider.com)

Former Extreme Championship Wrestling performer New Jack lashed out at Tammy “Sunny” Sytch with a vitriolic Facebook rant after learning of the WWE Hall of Famer’s claim that her current boyfriend, independent wrestler Damien Darling, treats her better than late boyfriend Chris Candido ever did. He also feels she participated in a tell-all interview with Rob Feinstein on Sunday not to come clean, but for financial compensation in order to support her vices. He also flames former girlfriend/former WWE Diva Terri Runnels in his expletive-laced tirade.

The outspoken grappler wrote on Feinstein’s Facebook page in a series of posts:

“She is the f*cking devil,just like that good for nothing b*tch Terri and to say that her new lil BOY TOY,treats her or loves her better than Chris ever did…IS A GOTDAMN INSULT TO HIM.I saw pictures of that trick with a dick in her and she was still with Chris.She got caught s*cking dick for percs in the back seat of somebody’s car.

“F*CK THAT TRICK B*TCH AND THE AIR SHE BREATHS AND TELL HER LIL B*TCH ASS boy toy,that if he HAS A PROBLEM WITH WHAT I’M SAYING…HE CAN STEP UP(SHOOT).SHE IS NOT DOING THIS SHOOT TO COME CLEAN,THE B*TCH IS F*CKING BROKE AND YOU ARE PAYING HER TO SUPPORT HER PILL HABIT…THAT F*CKING DRUNK.ALL OF THOSE WASHED UP B*TCHES FROM WWE/F ARE BROKE…RIGHT TERRI?HOES OF THE FED ARE EASY TO GET IN BED…ALL IT TOOK ME,WAS FB AND PERCS AND THAT LIL BLOND NASTY B*TCH WAS HOOKED…WOULDN’T YOU AGREE DUSTIN?

“intervention my ass,you are supporting that b*tches drug and drinking.INTERVENTION TO WHO?TO A BUNCH OF GOTDAMN MARKS THAT SHE CAN’T SEE?ROB DON’T GET ME WRONG,YOU ARE JUST DOING YOUR BUT THAT HOE IS COMPLETELY BRAIN DEAD!!!

“I DON’T GIVE A FLYING F*CK ABOUT NOBODY IN THIS BUSINESS,SO IF THIS IS STINGING ALOT…SOOOOO F*CKING WHAT!!!!

“OH AND LETS NOT TALK ABOUT HER BLOWING REX KING,WHILE CHRIS WAS IN THE NEXT ROOM TAKING A SHOWER!!! (Jack notes King “WAS PART OF A STUPID ASS TAG TEAM CALLED “WELL DONE”)

“HOW IN GOD NAME COULD SHE TALK ABOUT CHRIS…OF ALL PEOPLE…CHRIS?B*TCH HE GOT YOU IN THE BUSINESS AND HE SUPPORTED YOUR DUMB ASS UNTIL VINCE SIGNED YOU AND THEN YOU WENT TO THE FED AND BLEW EVERY DICK SWINGING…CHRIS WAS MY FRIEND,YOU LITTLE NASTY,GOOD FOR NOTHING SL*T.TERRI WAS RIGHT ABOUT ONE THING…SHE SAID THAT YOU S*CKED YOUR WAY TO THE HOF…KEEP IT GANGSTA YOU STINKING ASS MOTHERF*CKER!!!

“SHE SPOKE BAD ABOUT CHRIS…WTF!!!!!!

“OMG.”

New Jack then vouched for the “First Lady of Wrestling” Missy Hyatt over Sytch and Runnels, who he has harshly ridiculed in the past.

Jack wrote “BE VERY F*CKING WORRIED…YOU WOULD COME OUT BETTER BOOKING MISSY HYATT(shoot)” in response to whether a promoter should be worried about Sytch’s upcoming bookings.

He continued, “BRING BACK MISSY…WE WANT MISSY…WE LOVE MISSY…WE WANT MISSY HYATT!!!!!!!

“TAMMY AND TERRI TALKED BAD ABOUT MISSY…B*TCHES PLEASE!!!

“COULDN’T NEITHER 1 OF YOU CARRY MISSYS BLOODY TAMPON…

“YOU ARE BOTH(BGB)B*TCHES GONE BAD!!!

“HEY ROB,LOOK AT THE NUMBERS…YOU CAN THANK ME LATER…NOW GO TAPE THAT DRUNK,PILL POPPING,RETARDED B*TCH…DAMN THAT SOUNDS JUST LIKE TERRI…DID SHE DIE YET?”

– It’s being speculated that Val Venis will make a cameo appearance on tonight’s Raw SuperShow since the program emanates from his billed hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada and the official WWE website posted several videos on Sunday highlighting his career. When asked via Twitter whether he would appear for the organization again, he responded, “Not so long as they support sopa/cispa.”

– Alex Riley announced on Tout that he will be facing former Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes tonight in Las Vegas, Nevada and wanted fan feedback on what strategy he should use to defeat him. Riley, however, did not indicate whether the match will be dark, or take place on Raw SuperShow or WWE Superstars.

– Fozzy release a brand new single “Sandpaper,” via iTunes Tuesday. The single is taken from Fozzy’s upcoming new album, Sin and Bones, which is due out August 14 via Century Media Records.

– Former WWE Diva talent Maria Kanellis stated on Twitter that AfterBuzzTV.com’s recap show for Raw SuperShow will return next Monday night.

WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch checked into a rehabilitation program sponsored by WWE on Monday morning. She was admitted to an emergency room late Friday night for consuming nearly two gallons of vodka, and her boyfriend, independent wrestler Damien Darling, insisted that she seek professional help.

Rob Feinstein, who conducted a sit-down interview with the legendary Diva yesterday where she addressed her variety of personal battles over the past year, posted the following on Facebook ‘putting over’ WWE for its handling of the situation:

“I want to take this time to really put over the WWE as many people don’t know how quick they work and this needs to get out there. I am not writing this to put myself over, I am putting over the WWE. Yesterday when we finished the interview with Tammy I made a quick phone call to Tommy Dreamer and told him that Tammy wanted to go to rehab ASAP. He made one call to them on a Sunday and within 30 minutes she was booked with in 24 hours and the WWE had her picked up today as well. The WWE needs alot of credit on how fast they acted and it is a good thing that they do this for anyone that has worked for the company.”

Beginning in September 2007, WWE distributed rehabilitation assistance to all former WWE contracted talent. The goal of the initiative is designed to help any former talent that may have a substance-related dependency problem.

– TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Miss Tessmacher, who appeared for WWE in 2007, stated on Facebook that she has no interest in returning to her former employer due to their utilization of its female talent.

“Why would I want to go back to wwe where they have 3 min matches that typically have no meaning,” she wrote regarding going back to WWE one day. “The women aren’t utilized to the potential they bring. They aren’t cared about or a priority.”

– Velvet Sky is contemplating a “Beautiful People” reunion tour with former partner Angelina Love. She tweeted, “How many ?#PigeonArmy? fans and BP fans wanna see a Beautiful People Reunion tour?? ?#HOLLERHOLLERING?.”

Meanwhile, Sky and Love have been announced to appear for Northeast Wrestling on Saturday, September 22 at Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill, New York. Other talent scheduled to appear include Hulk Hogan, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Lita, Matt Hardy, Mickie James, Jerry “The King” Lawler, Jimmy Hart, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan and Vader. (Event Information)

– Rey Mysterio returns to action at tomorrow night’s SmackDown taping in San Diego, California. The official website of the Valley View Casino is advertising a tag team match featuring Mysterio and John Cena against Big Show and John Laurinaitis.

The masked grappler has been out of action for nearly a year due to injury, a Talent Wellness Program violation and WWE’s refusal to utilize him post-suspension. WWE is not advertising Mysterio for other upcoming events.

– Former WWE Women’s Champion Melina appears for Maryland Championship Wrestling on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at The Green Room in Dundalk, Maryland (2401-G North Point Blvd.) She will be on hand for a meet-and-greet/autograph signing.

– AJ is today’s featured Superstar on WWE.com. The website has also put up a poll asking whether she has lost CM Punk or Daniel Bryan following the WWE Championship Match at Money in the Bank.

Silvervision.co.uk has revealed the content listing of WWE’s upcoming CM Punk: Best in the World DVD and Blu-ray release. The title is scheduled for release on October 9, 2012.

Disc 1

A New Day

Spaceboy

Backyard Fame

Taking to the Road

Launching Pad

Constantly Learning

Dark Cloud

Not the Prototype

Outcast Champion

Having Fun

A Challenge

Saving Society

Frustrated Beyond Belief

Hometown High-Pressured Situation

The MAN

Special Features

High School Sports

CM Punk – the Name

Skull Fracture

OVW vs. Albright

From Extra to Champion

December to Dismember

1st Impressions
In-Ring Style

It’s Clobbering Time

The Hat

“The Most Insulting Thing You Could Say To Me”

A Conversation with Lars

Title in the Fridge

Natalie’s T-Shirt

“Teenage Anarchist”

Disc 2

Finals Match in the OVW World Heavyweight Championship Tournament
Brent Albright vs. CM Punk
Ohio Valley Wrestling 1st March, 2006

CM Punk vs. Justin Credible
ECW 1st August, 2006

ECW Championship Last Chance Match
CM Punk vs. John Morrison
ECW 4th September, 2007

Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Chris Jericho vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. John Morrison vs. Carlito vs. CM Punk vs. MVP vs. Mr. Kennedy
WrestleMania XXIV 30th March, 2008

World Tag Team Championship Match
CM Punk & Kofi Kingston vs. Cody Rhodes & Ted DiBiase
RAW 27th October, 2008

No Disqualification Match for the Intercontinental Championship
CM Punk vs. William Regal
RAW 19th January, 2009

Disc 3

Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Match for the World Heavyweight Championship
Jeff Hardy vs. CM Punk
SummerSlam 23rd August, 2009

Rey Mysterio Joins the SES vs. CM Punk’s Hair
Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk
Over the Limit 23rd May, 2010

WWE Championship Match
John Cena vs. CM Punk
Money in the Bank 17th July, 2011

WWE Championship Match
CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho
WrestleMania XXVIII 1st April, 2012

WWE Championship Match
CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan
Over the Limit 20th May, 2012

Blu-ray Exclusive Content

No Plan B

Saxophone

Easter Greeting

Chicken Wings and Apple Pie

Most Recognizable Tattoo

Fish Tattoo

Traveling with Ace

No Microphone

ECW Arena Match

Hanging with Eddie Guerrero

Trainer

Driving Away With the Title

Wrestling Camp

“They’re Gonna Hate Me”

Six People, One Room

I’m a Paul Heyman Guy

The Marathon

@CMPunk

The Bus Tour

Kofi’s Challenge

WrestleMania Day

A Day at the Ball Field

True Respect

Finals Match in the Intercontinental Championship Tournament
Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk
Armageddon 14th December, 2008

The official WWE website reports Zack Ryder, Dolph Ziggler and ring announcer Justin Roberts were involved in a car accident just outside of downtown San Diego, California on Friday afternoon shortly after 5:00 p.m. PT. The three performers were traveling in a limousine, which was rear-ended as they were transported from Comic-Con: International at the San Diego Convention Center.

All three individuals were reportedly evaluated by paramedics shortly after the accident and no serious injuries have been reported at this time.

WWE.com plans to issue more details as they become available.