WWE taped this week’s edition of SmackDown, the first episode to air in its’ new cable home on the USA Network, on Tuesday night in Laredo, Texas. Below are results from the tapings.

– Mauro Ranallo, the new voice of SmackDown, heads down to ringside to join Jerry Lawler and Byron Saxton at the announce table.

– For the show itself, John Cena’s music hits and out he comes to kick off the first episode of SmackDown on the USA Network. He challenges Alberto Del Rio to give him another shot at the WWE United States Championship because of how their match ended in his RAW comeback two weeks ago. Del Rio refuses and taunts Cena.

– Kalisto def. Alberto Del Rio in a non-title match that was apparently an excellent first match of the evening for the live crowd.

– Miz TV is up next. The Miz is interrupted by The New Day, who comes out talking about Chris Jericho only to get interrupted themselves by Dolph Ziggler. Before all was said and done, Goldust, R-Truth and Neville also come out, which leads to a big multi-person match.

– Dolph Ziggler, Goldust, R-Truth & Neville def. The New Day, The Miz in eight-man tag-team action.

– Charlotte def. Becky Lynch in Divas singles action with an assist from Ric Flair at the end of the match.

– Dean Ambrose and Kevin Owens fought to a double count out in the main event of the evening, which was advertised as a WWE Intercontinental Championship match. In the end, Ambrose and Owens kept brawling to the back.

• Update On CM Punk’s UFC Debut, Conor McGregor’s Next Fight & Rousey/Holm 2!

https://youtu.be/azn0iuyqFpk

Former TNA World Heavyweight Champion Ethan Carter III recently took part in a Reddit A.M.A. (Ask Me Anything) chat to promote tonight’s live, two-hour premiere of TNA Impact Wrestling on POP TV. Below are some of the highlights. You can check out the complete chat Reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle.

On EC3’s mainstream appeal and the TNA locker room:

“Even if I’m “the face” or “will be,” I’m not nearly there yet in terms of mainstream appeal. Where I want to be. We have that with Hardys/Angle/etc. I think the locker room when given the chance is of the highest quality and realize what is at stake. The effort will be there on their part. I assure you.”

On thoughts about his Bound For Glory match with Matt Hardy:

“Great besides the finish. Watching it back the other day, I didn’t like me try to convince Jeff to hit Matt. It didn’t make sense, came off as confusing in retrospect.”

On whether or not he watches WWE:

“I view them as the biggest show in this game. I watch constantly because I do not improve if I don’t watch what is taking place in all aspects of wrestling. As far as if it’s somewhere I want to go back, my focus is on where I am at, what I am doing, and what I am in control of. TNA is where I am at. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity here. I will always have a chip on my shoulder. A prove them wrong/ftw attitude. I like my angst. It helps me. Keeps me on edge.”

On his finisher and the fact that Dean Ambrose is no longer using it:

“It’s a tough move for it to look great every time, so I understand him switching it up. If I could go back, I might consider something else, but it’s beaten everybody here, so I guess it works! If anyone had right to steal it first, it was him, since I think I stole it from Callihan and they tagged prior. Either way.”

• Update On CM Punk’s UFC Debut, Conor McGregor’s Next Fight & Rousey/Holm 2!

WWE Diva and former Total Divas regular Cameron recently spoke with The Edmonton Sun about going back down to NXT and some changes she has made to her training routine. Below are some of the highlights.

On her decision to request to be sent to NXT:

“There’s still a lot of things that I would like to accomplish there (in WWE). I didn’t like where I was at the time. I wasn’t happy. I wanted to have a storyline. I wanted to get better and … sometimes you have to take a few steps backwards in order to move a few steps forward. So that’s what I decided to do. I’m doing that in hopes of coming back bigger and stronger than ever.”

On her training routine in NXT:

“There’s a trainer that they have (at NXT) and he has his own style of how he trains. His routine is completely different than what I’m used to doing. Then obviously being in the ring and having a three-hour practice, that’s like a workout in itself. With her, it’s circuit training. So it’s not as heavy but it’s non-stop.”

“I stopped running a little bit because my knees are not the best. And plus, I don’t want to burn my muscles. For instance, I woke up at 5:30 this morning and went to see my trainer because I knew that would be the only time I would have today to get it done. I’m like, ‘If I don’t wake up by 5:30 and get to the gym by 6:45, then I’m not going to be able to do it at all today.’ So it’s about being disciplined and dedicated. It’s definitely not easy. I mean anyone can pretty much do it, but what are you willing to do for it? Are you willing to wake up at 5 in the morning or are you willing to do it after you’ve had a long day at work? Everyone has their things in life that they push for. What are the things you want to accomplish? It’s not going to happen overnight, but it’s about being consistent and getting better each day.”

• Update On CM Punk’s UFC Debut, Conor McGregor’s Next Fight & Rousey/Holm 2!

– WWE posted the above video on their official YouTube channel, which shows highlights of his recent promotional tour of India.

– WWE also posted the following regarding WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns and The Bella Twins appearing on ABC’s “Good Morning America” this coming Thursday, January 7th at 8am EST.

“This Thursday, WWE takes over ABC’s “Good Morning America” when WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns and The Bella Twins join the hit morning show. Tune in to ABC during the 8 a.m. hour to see Reigns, Nikki and Brie join Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Lara Spencer and the entire GMA crew. Don’t miss the WWE takeover of ABC’s “Good Morning America” at 8 a.m. this Thursday.”

– Speaking of Reigns, the WWE Champion posted the following reaction on his official Twitter page to the announcement made by Vince McMahon on Monday’s RAW regarding Reigns defending his title in the 30-man over-the-top-rope Royal Rumble match at the WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view on Sunday, January 24th.

One on one…Handicap match…even the #RoyalRumble, it's all the same…#OneVersusAll #RomanEmpire

— Roman Reigns (@WWERomanReigns) January 5, 2016

• Update On CM Punk’s UFC Debut, Conor McGregor’s Next Fight & Rousey/Holm 2!

Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Ryback recently took part in a media conference call to promote WWE SmackDown moving to the USA Network this coming Thursday evening. During the call, “The Big Guy” spoke about the evolution of WWE’s former developmental territories into the full-fledged stand-alone brand that NXT has become. He also touched on the possibility of WWE SmackDown becoming a more wrestling-focused show with the possible inclusion of NXT talents, and who from NXT he would like to work with if that were to happen.

On the evolution of the WWE developmental system to the NXT brand and the possibility of NXT getting their own cable TV deal:

“What Triple H has done with NXT is absolutely incredible. Myself, personally, I’ve been in all the developmental systems from Deep South Wrestling to Ohio Valley Wrestling to Florida Championship Wrestling and then being a part of the initial, inaugural NXT with Daniel Bryan and guys like Wade Barrett and Heath Slater and Darren Young and guys like that. And to see the show go from that to taking WWE developmental and putting it on the map like Triple H has, it’s absolutely incredible and the sky is the limit with NXT. And essentially, it is the WWE. It’s a WWE brand, but we’ve put a different flavor on it and a different spin on it and the WWE Universe has been very receptive towards that, so with the WWE Network specials with NXT, those have been a huge hit.

“The NXT brand keeps expanding and traveling the way that they are, they’re selling out every venue they go to and they’ve been a huge hit. I think it’s only a matter of time before they decide to bring it to somewhere like the USA Network and do a television special to get even more eyes on the product because these kids down there, they can deliver, they can go, they now have eyes on them, and they have stepped up to the plate, and they’re hitting home runs. So I say absolutely [NXT programming could be broadcast on television]. It’s definitely something that is a possibility.”

On SmackDown possibly becoming a more wrestling-focused show with NXT stars mixed in, and who from NXT he’d like to work with:

“You look at the NXT roster and you’ve got guys like Sami Zayn, Samoa Joe, and Finn Bálor, the NXT Champion. I’d love to be in the ring with all three of those guys and someone like Finn Bálor, you’ve heard such great things about, he goes out there and delivers night in and night out. And I feel my best matches are with having that different style, having what I bring to the ring with a guy like Finn makes for some great, amazing match ups. There are still things that the WWE Universe have yet to see from me and I think having a guy like him doing such innovative, cool things and having that bring that out of me in a natural way in front of the fans, I think would make for tremendous TV.”

• Update On CM Punk’s UFC Debut, Conor McGregor’s Next Fight & Rousey/Holm 2!

WWE issued a press release on Tuesday to announce that the WWE Network is now available in Japan and Germany. The service will be priced at $9.99 with the option for subscribers to cancel at anytime.

WWE’s Chief Strategy and Financial Officer George Barrios stated the following about the WWE Network service expanding into the German and Japanese markets.

“Japan is strategically important for WWE given our passionate and engaged fan base in the market. The global expansion of WWE Network is critical to the continued growth of our brand internationally.”

“Germany is a strategically important market for WWE with a passionate and engaged fan base. We are committed to growing our brand internationally, and global expansion of WWE Network is critical to achieving that goal.”

• Update On CM Punk’s UFC Debut, Conor McGregor’s Next Fight & Rousey/Holm 2!

Smashing Pumpkins frontman and TNA’s Senior Producer of Creative & Talent Development, Billy Corgan, recorded original, never-before-heard music for the new opening video package for Impact Wrestling each week on their new cable home of POP TV.

The music, along with the actual video that will be used to kick off Impact Wrestling on POP TV each week, has been made available to Yahoo! Music ahead of tonight’s live, two-hour premiere.

“Billy and I were discussing creative elements for the show when he suggested the song and presented the opportunity to use it on Impact Wrestling,” said Senior Vice President of Television John Gaburick. “To be able to use an unreleased Smashing Pumpkins song is awesome and sets a commanding stage as fans tune in every Tuesday.”

Find out what TNA has in store for tonight’s live, two-hour Impact Wrestling premiere on POP TV by clicking here.

• Update On CM Punk’s UFC Debut, Conor McGregor’s Next Fight & Rousey/Holm 2!

One of the original members of The Wyatt Family, Luke Harper, recently appeared as a guest on the Chad Dukes Wrestling Show and spoke about the level of success The Wyatt Family has achieved this early into their WWE run, as well as some of his own personal ambitions as a singles star one day. Below are some of the highlights from the interview.

On his WWE career ambitions as a singles star:

“I want to win every title that this promotion has. I want to be the World Heavyweight Champion, on my own, I want to be the Intercontinental Champion, want to be the U.S. champion, wanna be a Tag Champion, I personally want all of that for myself. But at the same time, I have brothers at arms that we are very successful together and I understand that part of it too. I don’t know why I would be here if I didn’t want a championship.”

On The Wyatt Family’s success already and how they still have “another level” of success to attain:

“We’ve dominated lots of people, we’ve beat up lots of people, we’ve sent a lot of messages, we’ve been successful, but there’s another level of success that we have yet to attain and that we want to attain.”

• Update On CM Punk’s UFC Debut, Conor McGregor’s Next Fight & Rousey/Holm 2!

The Miz recently appeared as a guest on “Allegedly with Theo Von & Matthew Cole Weiss” and spoke about the life of a modern WWE Superstar. Below are some of the highlights from the interview.

On the road schedule in WWE:

“It’s nonstop, all day, every day. I mean, I leave probably L.A. on a Friday, at like 6 am usually on a flight, get in around 2 [pm]. I’ll go work out wherever it could be like, Omaha, you basically find a Gold’s Gym or a L.A. Fitness or whatever gym you can find. Go in there, work out, you go get a meal at the local Outback [Steakhouse] or Texas Roadhouse and then you go to your show. After the show you go either to the hotel or you drive on to the next city, which is usually around 3 hours away. And usually you drive with whoever, whatever Superstars you want to drive with, whoever your friends are.”

On who he travels with in WWE and learning to be humble and being willing to travel with anyone:

“I usually drive with Dolph Ziggler and Zack Ryder. They’re fun guys and Dolph has been trying to do some comedy, so he’s funny. He’s so funny. He’s so quick witted, so it’s definitely something I think he’ll be really good at.” The Miz continued, “I’ll ride with whoever. If a guy needs a ride, I’ll give him a ride. I had so much stuff when I was first coming in with the WWE that I was like, ‘alright, I will never be this. I will always try to be nice to everyone.’ You kind of learn your lesson. Back in the day, I was from [MTV’s] ‘The Real World’ and when you’re from ‘The Real World’, you’re not supposed to have any talent. You’re not supposed to be able to do anything. You’re a reality star. You’re nothing. You’re a nobody, so you have to kind of walk over into the WWE where it’s almost like a fraternity, not just with the Superstars, but with the audience as well. So it was kind of one of those things where I had to elevate myself and prove myself day in and day out and I’m still proving myself to this day.”

On his WWE career being the hardest thing he’s ever done, much more so than acting:

“WWE is probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. It’s not only acting, it’s not only athleticism, but it’s traveling, it’s nonstop, it’s eating right, working out. It’s basically a theater. It’s a big theater and you get instant gratification. You know if they’re booing you or cheering you. In a movie, you get a bunch of different takes. You only get one take in WWE.”

On WWE having a much more strict drug testing policy than professional sports:

“We are tested more than an NFL [player], Major League Baseball player, or in the NBA. I mean, we are tested nonstop, all day, every day. We’re not allowed to have Sudafed. [If] you have a Sudafed, you’re out 30 days, so it’s legit. The stuff you maybe got away with back in the day, you don’t get away with now. And kudos to WWE because they took an interest in our health. We get tested. Our hearts get tested. We get tested every six months. We get blood tested, we get our heart monitored, and it’s great.”

On ring rats:

“Back in the day, like, in the 80s, I think there was, like, people would be at the hotels, like, every hotel no matter what, wherever. The only time that people really are at our hotels in full fledged of hundreds of people is in, like, Europe. I’ve never really noticed it, I guess you could say.”

• Update On CM Punk’s UFC Debut, Conor McGregor’s Next Fight & Rousey/Holm 2!

WWE will be taping this week’s edition of SmackDown on Tuesday night in Laredo, Texas for the first episode of the show to air in its’ new home on the USA Network.

WWE previously announced that John Cena would be appearing on the show and that Mauro Ranallo would take over as the new voice of SmackDown on the show, and following Monday’s WWE RAW, the following title matches are now confirmed for the show as well:

* Dean Ambrose (c) vs. Kevin Owens (WWE Intercontinental Championship)
* Charlotte (c) vs. Becky Lynch (WWE Divas Championship)

• Update On CM Punk’s UFC Debut, Conor McGregor’s Next Fight & Rousey/Holm 2!

Stephanie McMahon & Roman Reigns Kick Off RAW

[Q1] Raw opened with a recap of Vince McMahon’s arrest and the eventual announcement of this week’s main event… Michael Cole, JBL, and Byron Saxton were on commentary…

Stephanie McMahon started to make her entrance, but her music was interrupted by Roman Reigns’ music, and he entered through the crowd. Steph was pissed. She met him at the barricade. They both entered the ring. Reigns called out Vince McMahon. Steph said Vince wasn’t at the building yet, but he would be there to referee the championship match.

Reigns took issue with Stephanie smirking as she spoke about the odds being stacked against him. Reigns said this is how he provides for his family and no one is going to take it away from him. Stephanie laughed while saying that was so passionate. She asked the fans if they thought he would win. The fans roared and started a “yes” chant.

The broadcast team narrated highlights of Kevin Owens destroying Dean Ambrose and Neville last week… Dean Ambrose made his entrance and fist-bumped Reigns, who was heading up the ramp. Cole said Ambrose would join them on commentary for Owens vs. Neville after the break…

[Q2] [C] A commercial aired for Brock Lesnar returning on Raw next week. “At the end of the day, people are going to get hurt,” Lesnar said at the end of the clip.

1. Kevin Owens vs. Neville. Ambrose was on commentary. Neville had his ribs taped and still had to carry that stupid Slammy award with him. Ambrose said Owens hits hard and you know you’re in a fight when you’re in a match with Owens, but he said he doesn’t think Owens likes to fight as much as he claims he does. [C]

After the break, Ambrose spoke about how Owens had been taking it to Neville throughout the match. Owens threw Neville into the barricade at ringside, as Ambrose continued to talk about what a dangerous man Owens is. Neville ran Owens into the ring post as Cole questioned whether he had anything left in the tank. Ambrose said we’d find out whether Owens is the type of man who can take punishment. Neville flipped off the apron and onto Owens on the floor. Ambrose said that took guts.

Owens tied up Neville in the ropes and delivered a cannonball, then followed up with the Pop Up Powerbomb for the clean win.

Kevin Owens defeated Neville in 9:10.

After The Match:

After the match, Owens was setting up for a move on the floor when Ambrose stopped him with a suicide dive (he overshot him a bit). Owens took control quickly and set up for another move on the broadcast table, but Ambrose fought him off and then ran off the barricade and dropped an elbow that drove Owens through the table. Ambrose grabbed Owens’ face and jawed at him.

Vince McMahon Arrives

Backstage, Vince McMahon arrived in a limo. JoJo asked him for comments about last week. Vince pointed out that all charges were dropped and said that’s what happens when someone like him can afford a good attorney. Vince said the irony is that this week he is the law because he’s the special referee for the main event… [C]

2. Stardust vs. Titus O’Neil. Neither man received a televised entrance. Titus jumped out to the quick start. While in the ropes, Stardust barked to the referee, “I am Stardust, get him back.” Stardust performed a Disaster Kick, which apparently is a routine early match move these days. The crowd was quiet while Stardust was on the offensive, but a Cody chant broke out and he covered his ears. Titus came back with his powerbomb finisher and pinned Stardust…

Titus O’Neil defeated Stardust in 4:10.

Backstage: Charlotte, Ric Flair & Becky Lynch

The broadcast team hyped WWE Network and the Royal Rumble… Backstage, Charlotte asked Becky Lynch if she asked for their match. Becky said she didn’t ask for it, but she hopes Charlotte is as excited as she is. Charlotte said she’s not excited because she already beat Becky fair and square. Lynch said she remembers they had a great match and should go out there and do it again. They agreed to do it in the spirit of competition, though Charlotte didn’t exactly seem genuine. Ric Flair showed up and woooed before saying, “In the spirt of competition”…

3. Divas Champion Charlotte (w/Ric Flair) vs. Becky Lynch in a non-title match. Charlotte, with her pops watching on from the outside, is up next against her former Team PCB member Becky Lynch in non-title action.

Charlotte was in control heading into the break. [C] Cole said Flair will be the guest on the Stone Cold Podcast after Raw next week. Charlotte remained the aggressor, but Lynch caught her in a sleeper. Charlotte broke it up with a jawjacker.

[Q5] Charlotte caught Lynch with a boot to the face and covered her for two. There was a small “Becky” chant. Lynch took control of the offense. Flair reached in and grabbed her leg. A short time later, Lynch rolled up Charlotte and held the tights while pinning her. Cole not only acknowledged it, but he said she was fighting fire with fire. Charlotte attacked Lynch afterward. Flair raised his daughter’s arm and the fans booed.

Becky Lynch pinned Charlotte in 10:45.

WWE Superstar Dean Ambrose recently appeared as a guest on the Chad Dukes Wrestling Show for an interview. Below are some of the highlights from the interview.

On Roddy Piper comparisons and his favorite Piper moment:

“I don’t know how you can not take it as a compliment. I was able to have a lot of good conversations, spend a good amount of time with him through the last couple years which was, that’s a rare opportunity and I don’t think a lot of guys got that. Me and him really just kind of clicked because he just kind of sensed that we had a similar outlook on stuff. The thing I like about him, I’ve been asked about him since he passed away a few times, the thing I always say is my favorite Roddy Piper moment was one of the nights he was wrestling Hogan it was in WCW. He’s wrestling Hogan and he’s the big hero finally going to go up against the NWO or whatever and just the entrance makes you go, “Man, that’s what wrestling, that’s where you captivate people.” ‘Cause they just went out there and back raked each other for fifteen minutes, they’re both like fifty five by that point, but the entrance he just walks down, Roddy Piper music, and he just walks to the ring, down the ramp, with like this death stare at the ring, like this thousand yard, like he’s in a different mental place. He’s doing nothing but doing everything. The way he walks the ring, you know that Roddy Piper is ready to die in the ring fighting the NWO that night, he does not care, he will fight to the death. This is the end of the world fight. It’s so hard to capture that anymore because it’s such a fun, entertainment thing nowadays. We have so many shows and so much content. When is there an end of the world fight to the death anymore?”

On his current role in WWE:

“Lenny Harris was a utility player for the [Cincinatti] Reds, he’s on my favorite players because he literally played every position on every night he played a different position. First base, short stop, whatever, but he was a beloved guy because he was always there and could do anything. I think I’m one of the only guys here, I mean we have so much great talent here, but I can do anything. I can literally do anything. That’s not me being like, “oh I’m so great,” I’m just like. I know what I’m doing. I’m not some schmuck they just hired and threw down in the Performance Center and gave him an entrance or anything that like. I’ve been around enough and have enough experience, I know what I’m doing pretty much. I like to think I’m a good mechanic for the company. “Oh well, we sprung a leak? Call Ambrose, throw him in there.” I like that because I think it has really upped my value with the company and I think that they realize nowadays too another Dean Ambrose isn’t going to walk through the door anytime soon or ever. So. I kind of exist in my own little space, I kind of got my own little corner of the room carved out for myself which I like.”

• Former TNA Knockout Suffers BRUTAL 1st Round KO In MMA Debut! (FULL VIDEO)

WWE has announced the official schedule for their WrestleMania AXXESS weekend in Dallas, Texas this coming April.

WrestleMania AXXESS will take place this year from Thurs, March 31st – Sun, April 3rd at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, the same venue as their NXT TakeOver: Dallas special on Friday night.

There will be activities on Thursday, March 31, from 6-10 p.m.; Friday, April 1 from 5-9 p.m., and three Saturday sessions from 8 a.m. to Noon, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The latter session goes head-to-head with the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. There is also a Sunday event from 8 a.m. to Noon.

The WrestleMania AXXESS events will be in direct competition with a number of other independent wrestling shows scheduled for WrestleMania 32 weekend in the same area.

• Former TNA Knockout Suffers BRUTAL 1st Round KO In MMA Debut! (FULL VIDEO)

– As seen above, Tyrus recently appeared on “The Greg Gutfeld Show” on FOX News and referred to the “Black Lives Matter” movement as the 2015 story of the year, arguing that the real issue is more about “compliance and resistance” than the race of the person involved.

– As noted, Kurt Angle will be appearing on “Duck Dynasty” this season. The former Olympic gold medalist is actually scheduled to appear on the season premiere of the show, which airs next Wednesday, January 13th on A&E.

– Ahead of their live two-hour Impact Wrestling premiere on POP TV on Tuesday night, TNA has updated the look and feel of their official website. You can check out the new-and-improved official TNA website at ImpactWrestling.com.

• Former TNA Knockout Suffers BRUTAL 1st Round KO In MMA Debut! (FULL VIDEO)

WWE Hall Of Famer “Superstar” Billy Graham recently posted a lengthy blog on his official Facebook page to address the recent push of Roman Reigns to WWE World Heavyweight Champion and the guy carrying the company on top.

Ahead of tonight’s RAW main event for the WWE Title between Reigns and Sheamus, with Vince McMahon serving as the special guest referee, “Superstar” Billy Graham explains how that could be the perfect set up for his own fantasy booking idea heading into WrestleMania 32 in April.

Graham also explains why WWE should turn Reigns heel and give him a mouthpiece to cut promos for him from now on. The WWE Hall Of Famer posted the following Facebook on Sunday.

WWE Script Writers

Actually, script writers are not a bad thing to have for 99% of the WWE roster, the Rock being the exception. Even the the Rock is handed a script for his movies and told, “hey, here is your script, now get it memorized and lets make this movie.” I mean, do you think Arnold came up with that famous line “I’ll be back” ? No, plus Arnold is a horrible actor to this very day. Jesse Ventura was far better than Arnold when he was in his movies especially with that great line “I ain’t got time to bleed”. Jesse didn’t come up with that line, a script writer did. These writers of today would have spelled death to me because I, along with Dusty, were able to come up with our own lines and we could think for ourselves. The success of reading a script is all in the ability to deliver that line. Cena proves that. After all wrestlers are like Broadway actors, who are handed a script. As a Dylan lyric goes, “You’re just an actor in a plot and that’s all that you got.” It’s all in the delivery folks.

With no interest by the WWE to have me or anyone else help Roman Reigns with his verbal skills, I suggest after his matches with Triple H they turn him heel and find a mouthpiece for him. What I would like to see happen is after their first match, go for a return match in a cage with Shawn Michaels as the special ref at mania 32 in Dallas. They need some more star power for this coming mania other than the Rock cutting another promo. With Vince as the ref for tomorrow nights RAW in the Reigns vs Sheamus match, ratings will go up, then back down the next week without Vince on TV. This RAW match tomorrow night with Vince is a perfect spot to get Triple H involved. Anyone out there have a better idea?

Below is a great shot provided by my personal friend Mike from Florida. This photo shows how close the fans could get to us back in the day. Very dangerous era, enjoy the photo.

Peace
Superstar Billy Graham

• Former TNA Knockout Suffers BRUTAL 1st Round KO In MMA Debut! (FULL VIDEO)

WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross celebrated his 64th birthday on Sunday, and actually made headlines in the sports world in the process.

“Good Ole’ JR” revealed his interest in taking over the announcing duties for MLB’s Pittsburgh Pirates now that there is a vacancy in the booth. He even mentioned that he would be willing to relocate to Pittsburgh for the gig. The comments from JR, which he posted on his official Twitter page on Sunday, ended up getting picked up by WWE and the official website of Major League Baseball, MLB.com, who wrote an entire featured article on his interest in the opening.

Below are the tweets WWE, MLB and JR posted on the topic this past weekend:

#HappyBirthday to @WWE Hall of Fame broadcaster @JRsBBQ! #BoomerSooner! https://t.co/5ena8nIdTl pic.twitter.com/gUPuDpurAd

— WWE (@WWE) January 4, 2016

Could a @WWE HOFer be the next @PIrates announcer? #YesYesYes, if @JRsBBQ gets his wish! https://t.co/GNW5ESgSQO pic.twitter.com/zSoQTBWabl

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 4, 2016

I'd relocate to Pittsburgh to broadcast @Pirates baseball. https://t.co/L4NJc7XUfL

— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) January 3, 2016

• Former TNA Knockout Suffers BRUTAL 1st Round KO In MMA Debut! (FULL VIDEO)

WWE Superstar Tyson Kidd and his wife, WWE Diva and Total Divas star Natalya were both backstage at the Pro Wrestling Guerrilla event in Reseda, California on Saturday.

Both Kidd and Nattie posted photos they took with their old friend Jack Evans, who lost to former WWE Superstar and TNA Wrestling star Drew Galloway (Drew McIntyre) at the PWG “Lemmy” event last night.

“Haven’t seen this talented individual in 4 years,” Kidd wrote in a caption that accompanied the photo of the two together backstage at the show on Saturday evening. “Saw him briefly tonight and it was as though we hadn’t missed a day.”

Natalya wrote this one along with the photo she posted of herself and Evans:

“I love this guy! Jack Evans was one of the first people I learned to wrestle with 14 years ago. He is one of my all time favorite wrestlers and people… A great friend, too.”

Haven't seen this talented individual in 4 years
Saw him briefly tonight and it was as though we hadn't missed a day pic.twitter.com/vg8te7xbo8

— TJ Wilson (@TJWilson) January 3, 2016

• Former TNA Knockout Suffers BRUTAL 1st Round KO In MMA Debut! (FULL VIDEO)

https://youtu.be/WgNo0T5ujT0

TNA and Bobby Roode announced that in addition to the conclusion of the TNA World Title Series tournament with the semifinals and finals, Roode will be defending the King Of The Mountain title on the two-hour live premiere of Impact Wrestling on POP TV.

With that now known, below is a look at what’s in store for the first real Impact Wrestling episode on TNA’s new cable television home.

* Bobby Roode defends his KOTM Title

* World Title Series Semi-Final: Ethan Carter III vs. Bobby Lashley

* World Title Series Semi-Final: Matt Hardy vs. Eric Young

* World Title Series Final to crown a new TNA World Heavyweight Champion

Like 2015, I will continue to be a fighting champion this year…January 5 the KOTM title WILL be defended. pic.twitter.com/oO0NQeaukV

— Robert Roode (@RealRobertRoode) January 2, 2016

KOTM Champion @REALBobbyRoode to defend this Tuesday 9/8c on the LIVE @PopTV premiere: https://t.co/vepSVZYlQD pic.twitter.com/wwKXI7b6Sf

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 3, 2016

• Former TNA Knockout Suffers BRUTAL 1st Round KO In MMA Debut! (FULL VIDEO)

https://youtu.be/AofqWjCRMpU

Former TNA Wrestling stars Mickie James and Nick “Magnus” Aldis officially tied the knot on New Year’s Eve. The two got engaged back in December of 2014.

The following are a couple of photos from the James-Aldis wedding earlier this weekend, including a comment from Samuel Shaw, who was at the ceremony and is featured in one of the below photos.

We tied the knot. Thank you to everyone who came to share our night with us and for all the well… https://t.co/eEHNpEM82X

— Nick Aldis (@RealNickAldis) January 1, 2016

2 months with no upper body workouts, and I'm stood next to ol' tree trunk arms… #creepygroomsman https://t.co/uEtRWwo3ch

— Nick Aldis (@RealNickAldis) January 3, 2016

• Former TNA Knockout Suffers BRUTAL 1st Round KO In MMA Debut! (FULL VIDEO)

– WWE announced this weekend that Curtis Axel has declared his entry into the 30-man over-the-top-rope Royal Rumble match, joining Big Show as the only two WWE Superstars to officially enter the annual match, which takes place on pay-per-view on Sunday, January 24, 2016 at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.

WWE.com wrote the following about Axel, who is still claiming he was never eliminated from the 2015 Royal Rumble match, in their RAW Five-Point Preview:

“With the 2016 Royal Rumble Match less than three weeks away, the entire WWE Universe is buzzing about which Superstars will declare their entry in WWE’s iconic over-the-top-rope tradition. Big Show emerged on Raw to become the first competitor in this year’s 30-man melee, and we’ve since learned that Curtis Axel — who claims he was never eliminated from last year’s Royal Rumble Match — will also enter the fray (even though he evidently never left it). Which other Superstars will announce their participation in the weeks ahead? Expect more Royal Rumble news on Raw.”

– Also featured in the official WWE.com RAW preview for the first 2016 episode of RAW this coming Monday night is what appears to be a tease for another John Cena vs. Alberto Del Rio match for the WWE United States Championship. Cena made his WWE television return at last week’s RAW after taking several weeks off to film and promote some television and film work. He went one-on-one against Del Rio for the U.S. title he coincidentally lost to Del Rio in his last match with WWE before taking the hiatus, and if the following blurb from the RAW preview for Monday is any indication, we could be seeing it again.

The official WWE website wrote the following about a potential Cena-Del Rio U.S. Title rematch from last week’s RAW:

“John Cena made his anticipated return to WWE last Monday night, goading United States Champion Alberto Del Rio into a title bout and coming incredibly close to recapturing his star-spangled prize. Were it not for The League of Nations, we’d all be eagerly anticipating one of the Cenation leader’s exciting U.S. Open Challenges this coming Monday night.

“With his last encounter with The Essence of Excellence ending in a disqualification, might Cena make another attempt at Old Glory early in the New Year? Even better, will Cena head to SmackDown on USA Network next Thursday night with the U.S. Title slung around his shoulder?”

Headlined by a WWE World Heavyweight Championship match between Roman Reigns and Sheamus, with Vince McMahon serving as the special guest referee, the first WWE RAW show of 2016 takes place this coming Monday evening, January 4th, at AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Join us here at SEScoops.com this coming Monday night for live WWE RAW results coverage!

• Former TNA Knockout Suffers BRUTAL 1st Round KO In MMA Debut! (FULL VIDEO)

– NXT Champion Finn Balor revealed his New Year’s resolutions for 2016 in a new post on his official Twitter account this weekend. Balor noted that he would like to become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion and perform at Madison Square Garden in addition to some more generic resolutions, such as “[being] a positive influence,” “[becoming] the best” and “[changing] everything.” You can check out Balor’s tweet below.

#ResolutionsFor2016
Be a positive influence
Preform at MSG
Become the best
Win the WWE world title
Change everything

— Finn Bálor (@FinnBalor) January 1, 2016

– Speaking of Balor, WWE announced the categories and nominees for the first-ever NXT Year-End Awards for 2015, and the current NXT Champion is nominated in every male singles category, including being featured in four of the eight matches nominated for NXT “Match of the Year” for 2015.

Fans still have time to cast their votes for the NXT “Year-End Awards,” as voting will remain open until Wednesday, January 6th at 10am EST. The winners will be revealed on a special edition of NXT TV on the WWE Network on Wednesday, January 13th. Cast your vote today at WWE.com.

Overall Competitor of the Year: Finn Balor, Bayley, Kevin Owens, Sasha Banks, Samoa Joe, Charlotte, Sami Zayn, Becky Lynch, Tyler Breeze, Asuka

Male Competitor of the Year: Finn Balor, Kevin Owens, Samoa Joe, Sami Zayn, Tyler Breeze

Female Competitor of the Year: Bayley, Sasha Banks, Charlotte, Becky Lynch, Asuka

Tag Team of the Year: Blake and Murphy, The Vaudevillains, Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady, Dash and Dawson, The Lucha Dragons

TakeOver of the Year: Rival, Brooklyn, Respect, London

Match of the Year: Bayley vs. Sasha Banks (Takeover: Brooklyn), Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens (Brock Lesnar: The Beast in the East, Live from Tokyo), Women’s Fatal 4-Way (Takeover: Rival), Samoa Joe vs. Finn Balor (Takeover: London), Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens (Takeover: Rival), Bayley vs. Sasha Banks – 30-Minute WWE Iron Man Match (Takeover: Respect), Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch (Takeover: Unstoppable), Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks (WWE NXT, July 15, 2015), Finn Balor vs. Neville – No. 1 Contender’s Tournament Final (Takeover: Rival), Kevin Owens vs. Finn Balor (WWE NXT, March 25, 2015)

• Former TNA Knockout Suffers BRUTAL 1st Round KO In MMA Debut! (FULL VIDEO)

WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin recently appeared as a guest on Wade Keller’s PWTorch Livecast and shared his thoughts on Roman Reigns winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, as well as the responsibility that comes with the title belt. Below are some of the highlights from the interview.

On Roman Reigns winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and the pressure that is going to come with it:

“With him being champion, it’s going to remain to be seen how they book this guy. You’re talking about a guy whose work has really improved, but he’s got to be more aggressive and he’s gotta have a sense of urgency. Now, he’s defending that belt, not chasing it, but he’s still pretty green in that regard, especially with respect to holding a championship belt. Man, he’s really got some pressure on him with the fact that now he is the champion. Right now, he is their number one guy.

“All of a sudden when you become that top guy or get that belt, it’s put up or shut up. It’s always good to have a goal, but when all of a sudden you’ve been kind-of prematurely pushed and kind-of rejected and then all of a sudden you’re the guy, now the pressure is on more than ever. All he’s got to do is shine, but the bottom line is he’s got to shine. He’s got to make chicken salad out of chicken scratch.”

On the fact that as champion, Reigns needs to step up his in-ring skills and deliver his end of a match regardless of his opponent:

“At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who you put him with, he’s got to shine and he’s got to do his half of the match. You know, you can book him with anybody, but now you’ve got to put on your big-boy trunks and have a badass match. Wanting to be the top guy is a goal that everyone should have, and wanting to have that championship belt is something everyone wants to aspire to.”

• Former TNA Knockout Suffers BRUTAL 1st Round KO In MMA Debut! (FULL VIDEO)

Longtime WWE Superstar Zack Ryder and WWE Diva Emma have decided to go public with the fact that the two are a real-life couple.

Ryder and Emma posted the following photos of the two spending the New Year’s Eve holiday together in Los Angeles, California this weekend, as well as pictures of their trip to Disney California Adventure Park on New Year’s day.

The popular Zack Ryder last appeared on WWE television in a Royal Rumble segment on last Monday night’s edition of RAW, while Emma has been paired with Dana Brooke in NXT as of late.

Below are the photos Ryder and Emma posted on social media, where they confirmed their relationship by writing “with my woman” and “with my man” on the posts.

#NewYearsEve with my woman! @EmmaWWE pic.twitter.com/O2BjYsXObo

— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) January 1, 2016

With my man, kicking off the #NYE festivities in LA! Cheers!! pic.twitter.com/ObFqmVgh4v

— Tenille Dashwood (@TenilleDashwood) January 1, 2016

Disney California Adventure Park! @disneyland @ZackRyder pic.twitter.com/XJfEkeSvuF

— Tenille Dashwood (@TenilleDashwood) January 2, 2016

• Former TNA Knockout Suffers BRUTAL 1st Round KO In MMA Debut! (FULL VIDEO)

As we settle into 2016, future WWE Hall Of Famer Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson continues to keep the buzz going on social media regarding his WrestleMania 32 appearance this April, which he announced this past Monday afternoon.

In addition to hyping up the fact that he plans to make “all-time WrestleMania history,” which he noted in his initial announcement earlier this week, The Rock is now promoting the fact that he has a “little surprise” planned for “The Show of Shows” this year as well.

It’s still unclear whether or not The Rock will be wrestling or simply appearing on the show, however the belief is he won’t be able to wrestle due to a number of issues, including his inability to get insurance coverage for his next movie project, something he was told would happen if he agreed to step inside the squared circle again before wrapping up filming.

Regardless, if you have been following The Rock’s various social media accounts since his announcement on Monday, it’s clear at this point that he has more planned than stopping by AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, April 3rd to simply say “hello” to the WWE Universe.

Below are The Rock’s latest tweets related to his WrestleMania 32 announcement, which shows the mainstream media coverage he can still garner for WWE by simply agreeing to appear at a big event for the company. As seen in the tweets below, “The Great One” responded to WWE, Variety, Vibe Magazine and Entertainment Weekly to hype the “next-level sh*t” and “little surprise” he has in store for WWE fans in April.

Comin' to electrify, but more importantly comin' to make WrestleMania history w/ the fans..#LilSurprise #AwwShit ??? https://t.co/9lpPWCB6ph

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) January 1, 2016

?? We can break @WWE's all time attendance record & a lil' plan I have to make WrestleMania history for the fans;) https://t.co/tr7xkmOkGH

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) December 30, 2015

Gonna be big fam! Got some next level sh*t planned for the fans. ?? Should be fun.. https://t.co/pmSODEaONs

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) December 29, 2015

Can't wait. Goal's to make all time @WWE Wrestlemania history for the fans. Then lots of Texas Tea #HelloJackDaniels https://t.co/5KVk8E3sN4

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) December 29, 2015

• Former TNA Knockout Suffers BRUTAL 1st Round KO In MMA Debut! (FULL VIDEO)

https://youtu.be/CjOlMG1swP0

Former Ring Of Honor Tag-Team Champion Michael Bennett and his real-life wife, former WWE Diva and ROH performer Maria Kanellis, have both reportedly signed deals with TNA Wrestling, according to the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

According to the weekly newsletter, Bennett and Kanellis likely received a big deal, one that is financially guaranteed in nature.

Bennett and Kanellis, along with the third member of their on-air team, Matt Taven, finished up with Ring Of Honor last month when they dropped the ROH Tag-Team Titles to War Machine at the ROH “Final Battle” event. Bennett and Kanellis officially wrapped up business with ROH at the television tapings the day after the Final Battle event, as it was the final date on their contracts.

In related news, TNA has also wanted to “shore up” their roster by making sure their key players are under official contracts and that they acquire whatever talent that they can, as long as it makes financial sense.

TNA handled their last cable television move the same way, as just prior to and immediately following their debut on Destination America, they re-signed those that had deals that were about to expire and pursued outside free-agents in an attempt to freshen the brand.

It’s also worth mentioning that TNA has been airing mysterious vignettes promoting “The Miracle” for their debut episode of Impact Wrestling on POP TV, their new cable home now that the company no longer has a deal with Destination America. There are those who feel this could be the build to the TNA debuts of the former ROH stars, however that is strictly speculation at this point.

The premiere of Impact Wrestling on POP TV is scheduled to air live for two-hours this coming Tuesday, January 5th, beginning at 9pm EST.

• Former TNA Knockout Suffers BRUTAL 1st Round KO In MMA Debut! (FULL VIDEO)