SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Former Announcer Says Evan Bourne Has A “Real Problem”

    As we reported this morning, WWE superstar Evan Bourne has been suspended for 60 days for his second violation of the company’s Wellness Policy.

    Bourne apologized to his fans on Twitter, saying that “Sometimes We Become Our Own Worst Enemy.”

    Former WWE announcer Todd Grisham posted the following message about Evan Bourne, perhaps adding new insight to his situation:

    “Shocked about Evan Bourne. Once could be chalked up to a bad decision…twice and there’s a real problem. Hope he gets well. Great guy.”

  • Evan Bourne Apologizes Following Second Drug Policy Violation

    WWE announced Tuesday morning that Matthew Korklan, who performs as Evan Bourne, has been suspended for 60 days for his second violation of the company’s Talent Wellness Program. The Raw Superstar went on Twitter to apologize to fans for his latest infraction.

    “Sorry y’all. Sometimes we become our own worst enemy,” he tweeted Tuesday afternoon.

    During Sunday’s Raw Live Event at Oakland’s Oracle Center, Bourne and Kofi Kingston lost the WWE Tag Team Championship to Primo and Epico. The high-flying duo lost to the Tag Team Champions in short order in their rematch on Monday’s Raw SuperShow.

  • The Rock Advertised For Upcoming Raw, Hall of Fame Update

    — The official website of the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia is advertising The Rock for the March 26, 2012 Raw SuperShow.

    This will be the final Raw before WrestleMania XXVIII.

    — It was rumored at last night’s Raw SuperShow in Anaheim, California that Shawn Michaels and Triple H would together induct The Four Horsemen—Arn Anderson, Barry Windham, JJ Dillon, Ric Flair and Tully Blanchard—into the WWE Hall of Fame. WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent lobbied for the Horsemen to be inducted into the Hall.

    Meanwhile, Alberto Del Rio is internally expected to induct his uncle, Mil Mascaras.

    — Ken Shamrock and Sid Vicious have been announced for Wrestlereunion, which takes place January 27-29, 2012 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport 5400 West Century Blvd. Los Angeles, California.

    source: PWInsider.com

  • Update On Christian’s Return To The Ring, Orton’s Return Moved

    — WWE officials are hopeful that Christian will be cleared to return from injury in time for the Royal Rumble. He has been sidelined since November 9, 2011 due to an ankle injury.

    — With the cancellation of the SmackDown live event originally scheduled for this Sunday in College Station, Texas, some SmackDown talent will instead appear at the Raw live event in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Randy Orton, who was reportedly slated to return at next Monday’s Raw SuperShow in Phoenix, Arizona, has been added to the New Mexico talent line-up.

    Other SmackDown talent scheduled for the show include Big Show, Sheamus, Wade Barrett, Mark Henry, Epico, Primo and Rosa Mendes.

    — The cable rating for last night’s Raw SuperShow will be delayed until Wednesday due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

    source: PWInsider.com

  • J.R. On Edge Wrestling One More Match, Royal Rumble, Brodus

    Jim Ross has published a new blog entry on his official website, www.jrsbarbq.com. Highlights are as follows:

    The Royal Rumble Match: “I always thought more could be made, I’m looking at the mirror quite honestly on this one, of the fact that there are only 30 spots available for the Royal Rumble Match. While other attractive matches are generally booked for the PPV, nothing really compares to the Rumble match and what winning it provides the last man standing in the ring.”

    Brodus Clay: “Brodus Clay maximized his minutes last week on Raw and Smackdown. I’m told that the reaction that he received on the road this week was positive. The red attire, the dancing and the ladies who accompany him are the ‘sizzle’ in Clay’s TV persona but rest assured that the super heavyweight can deliver the ‘steak’ from bell to bell which is where, over the long haul, he will make his money.”

    Sunday’s WWE Tag Team Championship change: “The WWE Tag Titles changed hands at a non televised, live event this weekend in Oakland. That sent a message that “anything can occur at a WWE live event” and that the tag titles perhaps are on the cusp of becoming more meaningful.”

    Edge wrestling one more match: “For Edge fans longing for Edge to have the seemingly obligatory “One More Match,” I hope that educated fans realize that medically that would be a major mistake for all involved.”

    Ross also comments on Edge and The Four Horsemen entering the WWE Hall of Fame, Ole Anderson’s omission from the Hall, who may win the Royal Rumble and more. His blog can be read here.

  • SmackDown & NXT Preview, Phoenix-RAW, Midcard Mafia Pulled

    – WWE will tape “Sin City SmackDown” tonight from the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The show will feature a special SmackDown Roulette theme, with match stipulations beind decided by spinning a gimmicked roulette whee.

    Announced for tonight’s tapings are Sheamus vs. Wade Barrett and Mark Henry vs. Daniel Bryan for the World Heavyweight Titl.

    WWE will also tape week 46 of NXT tonight with the wedding of Maxine and Johnny Curtis plus a No DQ Match between Darren Young and Titus O’Neil.

    – WWE Divas Champion Beth Phoenix was in town for last night’s RAW Supershow but once again, did not appear on TV.

    – In an update on Tyler Reks’ Midcard Mafia video series, Reks has now deleted all the videos from his YouTube page. No word yet on why the videos were pulled or whether there was heat from WWE management over the series, but we’ll post an update when more information is available.

    – Ratings for Friday’s SmackDown and Monday’s RAW will be delayed this week due to Monday’s Martin Luther King Day holiday. SmackDown ratings should be available Monday afternoon while RAW ratings will be pushed off to Tuesday.

  • Foley Talks RAW, Update On WWE Signing Jody Kristofferson

    – Hardcore legend Mick Foley wrote the following on Twitter regarding his surprise appearance on Monday’s RAW:

    “Very cool to be out there again, exchanging words and blows. Hope to see everyone in the #WWE Universe again soon.”

    Foley announced on RAW that he plans to enter Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view so his youngest children can see him wrestle again. Foley stated that he plans to compete “at least one more time” – leaving the door open for another high profile match, possibly at WrestleMania 28.

    – The All Pro Wrestling promotion has confirmed our report from Monday about WWE signing Jody Kristofferson to a developmental deal. Kristofferson, the son of country music legend Kris Kristofferson, wrestled his final match for California’s APW promotion over the weekend and won APW Universal Heavyweight Championship in his final appearance.  Kristofferson’s family, including his famous father Kris, were all in attendance for the event.

    As noted before, Kristofferson is expected to start with FCW next month.

    Here is the press release from APW announcing Kristofferson has signed with WWE:

    COUNTRY LEGENDS SON SIGNS WWE DEVELOPMENTAL DEAL

    Hayward, CA – At last night’s All Pro Wrestling TV Tapings, “Big Country” Jody Kristofferson defeated Jeckles to become APW Universal Heavyweight Champion.

    Following a celebration in the ring with fellow wrestlers, colleagues and family including his father country music legend & Hollywood actor Kris Kristofferson. An emotional Jody announced to the fans in attendance that he had signed a developmental deal with World Wrestling Ent.

    Jody Kristofferson graduated the APW Boot Camp in 2009 after completing a two year training course.

    Fellow successful graduates of the APW Boot Camp include: Michael Modest (WCW / Noah), Bison Smith (ROH / Noah), Spike Dudley (ECW / WWE), Crash Holly (WWE), Vic Grimes (WWE / ECW), The Great Khali (WWE), Brent Albright (WWE), Cheerleader Melissa (TNA), Kafu (WWE) and Sara Del Ray (ROH).

    APW’s weekly “Gym Wars” TV series can be seen world wide on their website at www.allprowrestling.net or www.youtube.com/allprowrestling

  • Jack Swagger Wins The US Title: Zack Ryder Reacts

    Photo credit: WWE.com

    Jack Swagger became the new WWE United States Champion on Monday’s’s RAW Supershow after he defeated a badly injured Zack Ryder, who was selling the attack from Kane last week.

    Ryder wrote the following on Twitter last night about his United States Title loss:

    “So I’m not the US champ anymore. Sorry to let my Broskis down. I will make no excuses for tonight…I will be United States champion again!”

    Swagger stated in a recent interview that 2012 was going to be his year and he had his sights set on the United States championship.

    As we’ve been reporting in recent weeks, Zack Ryder’s segments on RAW have been drowing very low ratings, which could be the reason WWE decided to take the US title off him.

    Either Ryder will be put back in the role of “chasing the title” (which is typically a better ratings draw than a babyface champion) or shuffled around in the mid-card.

  • Celebs At RAW, Keibler Signs With WME, Perez Hilton

    — Celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton appeared on Monday’s RAW from Anaheim and was the guest ring announcer for the divas tag team match. Hilton posted a bunch of messages on Twitter regarding the appearance, including “Sooo freakin cool!!! Raw!!!!” He also retweeted this image (view here) of himself with Kelly Kelly and Alicia Fox.

    — Actor Dennis Haskins (Mr. Belding) was shown on camera during Monday’s WWE RAW Supershow. He was shown sitting behind Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler’s announcing table. Haskins was backstage during the show visiting friends.

    — Chris Jericho noted on Twitter that members of the bands My Chemical Romance and Avenged Sevenfold were at RAW along with legendary record producer Rick Rubin.

    — Former WWE diva Stacy Keibler has signed with prestigious William Morris Endeavor, one of the top talent agencies in the world. WME reps such names as Ben Affleck, Christian Bale, Russell Brand.

    Stacy’s acting work so far includes guest appearances on Chuck, Psych and How I Met Your Mother, as well as a cameo in Bubble Boy.

    While Keibler’s relationship with George Clooney is likely a factor that helped her get signed to WME, it’s worth noting that Clooney is signed to a rival talent agency, CAA.

  • Evan Bourne Suspended For 2nd Wellness Violation

    This explains why Evan Bourne and Kofi Kingston dropped the tag team titles on Sunday.

    WWE issued the following statement on Tuesday morning announcing that Evan Bourne has been suspended once again for his second violation of WWE’s Wellness Policy.

    STAMFORD, Conn., January 17, 2012 – In accordance with its Talent Wellness Program, WWE (NYSE:WWE) has suspended Matthew Korklan (Evan Bourne®) for 60 days effective Tuesday, January 17 for his second violation of the company’s policy.

    This is Bourne’s second violation of WWE’s Wellness Policy in approximately 2 months. Bourne’s first violation was announced back in November and he’s only back from his suspension for a number of weeks. One more strike and he’s terminated.

  • Updated Card For Sunday’s Royal Rumble PPV

    Updated Card For Sunday’s Royal Rumble PPV

    John Cena vs. Kane was officially announced for the Royal Rumble pay-per-view on Monday’s RAW Supershow.

    With that match set, here’s the updated card for Sunday’s Royal Rumble PPV:

    30-man Royal Rumble Match

    WWE Championship Match:
    CM Punk (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler
    * John Laurinaitis will be the special referee and

    John Cena vs. Kane

  • What Happened After RAW Went Off The Air

    Credit to SEScoops.com readers Mike Williams and Brian Z. for sending these results from what happened after Monday’s RAW from Anaheim, CA went off the air:

    After RAW went off the air, John Cena came out to face Kane in the dark match.

    Kane took control of the match early on. The match went to the outside of the ring where Cena threw Kane into the steel steps. Cena got Kane back into the ring and went for an AA, but dropped Kane. Kane then worked Cena’s neck over and clotheslined him from the top rope. Kane went for a chokeslam, but Cena countered. After a series of counters, Kane brought a chair in the ring and got disqualified for hitting Cena in the gut.

    Kane started to head to the back, but went back to the ring to deliver a tombstone. Cena countered with an AA and celebrated to end the show.

  • HBK At SmackDown This Week, WM28 Theme Song & More

    – The official theme song for WrestleMania 28 will be “Invincible” by Machine Gun Kelly.

    – Former American Idol competitor James Durbin attended Sunday’s WWE live event from Oakland.

    – WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels noted on his Twitter page that he will be in Las Vegas this week for the SHOT (Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Tradeshow) convention this week. When asked whether he’ll attend Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings from Vegas, Michaels said:

    “Will most likely stop by and visit backstage.”

  • RAW Preview: Tag Title Rematch, Perez Hilton & More

    Tonight’s WWE RAW Supershow takes place from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

    Matches advertised for tonight’s RAW include CM Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler for the WWE Championship and Jack Swagger vs. Zack Ryder for the WWE United States championship. With the “injuries” Zack Ryder suffered at the hands of Kane last week and reports that Ryder will be kept off television to sell the attack, the US title match likely will not take place.

    Also on tonight’s show – WWE’s new tag team champions Epico and Primo will have their first defense, a rematch against Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne. Kofi wrote on Twitter last night:

    “Well. You can’t be a multiple time champion without losing. Tomorrow, RAW in Anaheim. We will have our rematch.”

    This week’s show will also have some celebrity star power, as gossip blogger Perez Hilton will be the guest ring announcer for an un-announced Divas match and actor Dennis Haskins (“Mr. Belding” from Saved By The Bell) will be in attendence.

  • Batista & Henry Together, Cena-Primo-Epico, Keibler

    — WWE superstar Mark Henry and former WWE star Batista attended the Wu Tang hip hop show on Saturday night in Austin, TX. Henry and Batista were hanging out after the show in the Wu Tang tour bus.

    Batista will be featured in the new Russell Crowe movie “The Man With The Iron Fist” movie, directed by Wu Tang member Rza (shown in the picture).

    – Former WWE diva Stacy Keibler attended Sunday night’s Golden Globe awards show with her boyfriend, George Clooney.

    – John Cena congratulated the new WWE Tag Team Champions Epico and Primo on Twitter last night:

    “Apparently we have new tag team champs..and I died in a car wreck. 1 of those is true. Congrats primo and epico”

  • THQ Comments On Rumors It Is Shutting Down

    THQ

    There were reports over the weekend that viedeo game publisher THQ, had canceled would be closing up shop – that it was scrapping its planned 2014 release schedule and were making plans to sell the company.

    THQ is denying these reports, touting the their business and the strength of WWE’s video game franchise in particular. Here’s THQ’s official statement, issued to gaming blog Kotaku.com:

    “THQ has not cancelled its 2014 line-up, and has not made any decisions regarding the planned MMO. As part of the ongoing review of our business, we have made decisions to ensure that the company is strategically addressing the most attractive markets. As we have previously announced, we have dramatically reduced our commitment to the kids’ boxed games sector which leads to a significantly more focused release schedule moving forward. Our slate for calendar 2012 and beyond is focused on high-quality core games and continues to build our digital platform and business. We are excited for our pipeline of original and high-quality content along with our relationships with some of the best talent in the industry.

    Additionally, we are thrilled with the great performance of Saints Row: The Third, which on a like for like period in North America has tripled in sell-through from Saints Row 2. In addition, WWE ’12’s worldwide sell-through sales are up almost 40% year-over-year for the same sales period with fewer platforms. According to NPD, for the month of December and the 2011 year, THQ was the #5 publisher overall, #4 third party, with reported sell through growing over 18% in a market that was down almost 6%. And coming up next, we have two great titles for the first half of the year including UFC Undisputed 3 and Darksiders 2.”

  • HBK On Flair-HOF, New WWE Talent, JBL Talks Return

    – WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels answered fan questions on Twitter over the weekend about Ric flair appearing at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. Flair, who will be inducted for a second time as part of the legendary Four Horsemen stable, is currently under contract with TNA, which led some to question whether Flair would appear in person.

    Regarding wether TNA would allow Flair to appear, Michaels wrote:

    “Allow? He attended last year.”

    Another fan asked Shawn about his epic matches against the Undertaker at WrestleMania – and when he decided he wanted to challenge the Dead Man. Michaels responded:

    “Never, folks did that for me. I just agree.”

     – Former WWE superstar John Bradshaw Layfield was asked over the weekend whether we’ll see him back in WWE at any point:

    “For those asking about a comeback-who wants to see a comeback of a guy who can talk circles around the kids and is in best shape of his life”

    – WWE announced on last week’s Superstars that wrestlers who compete in singles matches at the Royal Rumble will still be eligible for the 30-man battle royal.

    –  WWE has signed independent wrestler Jody Kristofferson to a developmental deal, according to f4wonline.com. Jody is the son of actor and musician Kris Kristofferson.

    Kristofferson impressed Triple H months ago at a tryout, even more when he found out who his father was. Jody  finished up with California’s APW promotion over the weekend and will likely start with FCW next month.

  • Kurt Angle Says WWE Is Trying To Sign Him

    Kurt Angle claims WWE was trying to sign him for the Royal Rumble but that he was remaining loyal to TNA.

    Angle tweeted in response to a fan question about whether he’d be a surprise entrant:

    “Nope! I’m Happy Where I Am. No Rumble for Me!!!!”

    “My Loyalty Is With Tna. Wwe Is Knocking On My Door, But I Won’t Answer.”

    Do you believe Angle’s tweets? Would you want to see him back in WWE? Hit up the comments below.

  • VIDEOS: Primo & Epico Win WWE Tag Titles & Celebrate

    Primo and Epico win the WWE tag team championships at the 1/15 WWE live event from Oakland, CA:

    Primo, Epico and Rosa Mendes celebrate their championship win:

  • Breaking News: Primo & Epico Win WWE Tag Titles

    CLICK HERE to Watch The VIDEOS

    New WWE tag team champions were crowned at Sunday night’s live event from Oakland, California.

    Primo and Epico defeated Evan Bourne & Kofi Kingston at the show to win the titles.

    Primo and Epico’s manager Rosa Mendes tweeted the following after the match:

    “Guess who the new tag team Champions are!!??WE ARE!!! WE BEAT AIRBOOM in Oakland!! I will remember this day forever!”

    Check out these pictures of Rosa Mendes, Primo and Epico with the WWE tag team titles:

  • Perez Hilton To Appear On Raw, How Old Is Kelly Kelly?, More

    — Celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton, who recently went through Divas Boot Camp with Alicia Fox, Kelly Kelly and Eve, will be a special guest ring announcer on Monday’s Raw SuperShow, WWE announced.

    He’ll be the guest ring announcer for the Divas match. The participants of the bout have not been announced.

    — WWE has applied to trademark the term “Funkasaurus.” Brodus Clay was referred as Funkasaurus on last week’s Raw and SmackDown.

    — Kelly Kelly celebrates her twenty-fifth birthday today.

  • Douglas Announces ECW Reunion Show, Heyman Praises J.R.

    — Four-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion Shane Douglas announced Saturday via video message that “extreme wrestling” is coming back to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. “The Franchise” is rounding up the band of hardcore misfits for Extreme Reunion, which takes place Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the Pennsylvania National Guard Armory (2700 Southampton Blvd & Roosevelt Blvd) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19154.

    An official website has been launched for the event at www.extremereunion.net. PWInsider.com reports that the show is not planned as a one-off event but as part of a larger project.

    — Paul Heyman went on Twitter to praise Jim Ross. He wrote, “Greatest announcer ever. And 1 TOUGH mentor. I learned about wrestling and LIFE from JR.”

    In a trivia note, Ross indicated Saturday that he almost joined ECW following his dismissal from WWE in 1994. He tweeted Heyman, “but Happy…you never hired Ol JR..could’ve been a contend-a. Do you remember when we discussed me being a ‘surprise?”

    Heyman also said he’s high on Chris Jericho. He wrote, “HUGE fan of Chris Jericho, professionally and personally!”

  • Triple H’s New Year’s Resolution, The Rock’s Upcoming Schedule

    — Speaking to Street and Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal, WWE Executive Vice President of Talent Paul “Triple H” Levesque reveals what he wants to accomplish personally and professionally in 2012.

    He says, “My resolution is to continue sharpening my business and corporate skills in my new role as EVP, talent. Although whenever the day-to-day grind of being a company executive gets to me, I still have the opportunity to jump into the ring and take my aggression out on a few unsuspecting opponents.”

    — Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stated on Twitter that he is beginning a twenty-five day press tour today that will include stops in Taiwan, Hawaii, Los Angeles, Mexico and New York.

    — Former WWE Women’s Champion Molly Holly is scheduled to appear at Pro Wrestling World in the Merchants Square Mall 1901 S.12th St. Allentown, Pennsylvania on March 3, 2012 from noon to 2:00 p.m. Contact prowrestling1@aol.com for more information.

  • Update On A.J. Following SmackDown, Maryse Appearances

    — As a result of her accidental collision with Big Show during Friday’s World Heavyweight Championship Match on SmackDown, an injured A.J. had to be carried out on a stretcher. According to WWE physician Dr. Michael Sampson, “AJ is pretty beat up, as you can imagine. She has head trauma, a cervical sprain/strain and also multiple contusions all over her body.”

    — Former WWE talent Maryse is scheduled to appear at WrestleReunion in Miami, Florida during WrestleMania weekend, Legends of the Ring (June 2, 2012 at Crown Plaza Monroe, 390 Forsgate Drive, Monroe, New Jersey) and Wizard World’s Chicago Comic Con (August 10-12, 2012).

    — Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson completed filming of Snitch last week. The movie is scheduled to be released in 2013.

    — SmackDown Superstar Ted DiBiase appears at Outlaw Burger Company in Evansville, Indiana on January 28, 2012 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

  • Randy Orton Pulled From WWE Shows, Virgil Week At Kmart

    — Randy Orton, who is currently recuperating from a herniated disc, has been pulled from advertising for next week’s Raw SuperShow in Anaheim, California and SmackDown in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nonetheless, he is still booked full-time beginning with the January 23 Raw SuperShow in Phoenix, Arizona.

    — Former WWE Superstar Virgil is appearing at the Kmart located at Schulykill Mall Rt 61 & I 81 Frackville, Pennsylvania every day at noon through Thursday. Call 570-874-3660 for more information. The week long fest began Friday.

    — Tickets went on sale this morning for WWE’s 2012 Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida on March 31. The event could be sold out by the end of today. As of this morning, all lower level seats were gone with the only seats left in the balcony upper level.

    source: F4WOnline.com