TNA star Samoa Joe was interviewed this week on AllWrestling.com’s Week In Review podcast. You can listen to the full interview here. Here are some highlights of what Joe said about:
Not being in the world title picture:“It’s always rough not to be in the world title picture but at the same time right now we are finding new talent and establishing new characters. TNA gives me opportunity to work with tremendous young talent. Playing a part in developing young talent is rewarding.”
Bruce Prichard As The Head of TNA Creative“TNA put me in the main event picture pretty early and these guys have been around just as long if not longer in Storm’s case. I’m very thankful to see those guys where they are right now from a personal standpoint.”
Whether He Would Jump Ship To WWE: “I’m still with TNA; we have a fantastic financial agreement. The relationship between me and TNA has always been great. I’m the type of person that really lives in the moment. I don’t put too much into trying to build scenarios that are bad. As long as I get an opportunity to wrestle and wrestle great people then I have the greatest job in the world.”
Stone Cold Saying WWE Should Sign Him: “That was one of the greatest compliments ever given to me in my career by far by one of the greatest athletes in the industry. Just hope that TNA sees that and we can take it from there. I’m big on loyalty. Some people are of the thought process that if you don’t like something, you quit. You go somewhere else. That’s just not me. I think it’s silly. I think it’s shallow and tawdry. I don’t think I’m done with what I want to do in TNA.”
Matt and Jeff Hardy: “I’m ecstatic for Jeff. I’ve never seen him more healthy and look so much more alive. God bless Matt. Matt is battling those same demons now. I hope and pray that he makes it through. At the end of the day, wrestlers are human beings. These are real people. No matter how much you hate their antics, no matter how much they disgust you, as a person, as a responsible human being I would never wish death on these people.”
On TV wrestling: “TV wrestling is very flash, bang, get it going. I’ve been told by many people in creative that those wrestling fans love the wrestling but it’s the other fans that don’t understand what a wrist lock is etc. I have had my disagreements on this. I think that the art of professional wrestling speaks for itself. I think if you are good enough professional wrestler you can tell your own story regardless of what extraneous feuds you have going. Fundamentally we may differ on that.”
His shoot on Scott Hall At Turning Point 2007: “There was an incident where Scott Hall no-showed. They handed me the mic and said “get him”. That’s what I was told. I went out there and got him. I ruffled a lot of fathers that day, in particular Kevin Nash. Kevin knew about the demons Scott was facing. None of us knew the extent of Hall’s issues.”
Skip Sheffield has deleted the cryptic tweets he made over the weekend that he’s returning on January 2nd as his former gimmick, “Ryback,” a terminator cyborg.
Alberto Del Rio and Beth Phoenix were both injured at Monday’s WWE RAW Supershow from Philadelphia.
Del Rio was carried out of the building by trainers after Raw went off the air. There was some fear that he may have suffered a groin injury, but after being checked out by WWE trainers, he’s said to be doing alright. He’s not expected to miss any ring time, despite some soreness.
Beth Phoenix has a nasty lump on the side of her face following her match with Alicia Fox. At this time, it’s unclear at what point in the match the injury takes place, but it looks like she has a golf ball sticking out of her right temple. She tweeted:
@AliciaFoxy tried her hardest to destroy my face. There will be hell to pay for trying to tarnish my beauty.”
“After hours in the trainers room, I broke a lot of mirrors with my fists.
Phoenix’s partner Natalya tweeted a message of support:
“@TheBethPhoenix i am sorry to see what happened on Raw…But we are still UNBREAKABLE.”
Check out these pictures of the lump on Beth Phoenix’s face following RAW:
– Tonight’s WWE SmackDown and NXT tapings will take place from Richmond, Virginia at the Richmond Coliseum.
Aside from the TLC fallout and an appearance from new World Heavyweight champion Daniel Bryan, no matches have been announced for the show as of Tuesday morning.
Advertised locally is Randy Orton vs. Big Show vs. Mark Henry with Booker T as referee, but this one won’t go on as scheduled due to Mark Henry’s injury.
Tonight’s Smackdown taping will be the final WWE show of the week, as the crew has the weekend off to celebrate the holidays. The next scheduled WWE show is Monday’s RAW from Chicago.
– The Miz recently granted his first Make-A-Wish. He tweeted on Monday:
“Just had my first Make A Wish where the kid only wanted to meet me. Truly an honor. Dylan keep fighting your AWESOME!!!”
– WWE’s website has a new article up looking at what potential items could be showcased at the physical Hall of Fame that the company has been planning for some time.
Items mentioned that could be featured in a WrestleMania wing of the building include Roddy Piper’s boxing gloves from WrestleMania 2, what’s left of the battle royal trophy Bad News Brown won (and Bret Hart destroyed) from WrestleMania 4, Shawn Michaels’ zipline from WrestleMania 12 and more.
— WWEShop.com is accepting pre-orders for the new “Cena Sucks” t-shirt that went on sale this past weekend at WWE live events. The shirt is officially listed as “Anti John Cena Shirt” with no preview image provided.
— A WWE camera crew visited the home of Shawn Michaels on Monday to shoot footage that will be used for programming on the upcoming WWE Network. Michaels tweeted:
“WWE Network crew is here setting up. Multiple interviews apparently for various programming. Do I have to pay to get the channel? :-)”
He followed up four hours later:
“Holy cow that was a long interview!!”
– Speaking of Shawn Michaels, Carl Dantes sent in the following information regarding four scheduled appearances for the Heartbreak Kid in early 2012;
* January 11, 2012 – from 10-11am at the Dead Down Wind booth at the ATA show in Columbus OH
* January 12, 2012 – from 1-3pm at the Carbon Express Booth at the ATA show in Columbus OH
* January 18, 2012 – from noon to 1pm at the Outdoor Channel booth at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas
* February 2, 2012 – from 1-2pm at the Outdoor Channel booth at the SCI Convention in Las Vegas
After Monday’s RAW Supershow from Philadelphia, PA went off the air, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan and Zack Ryder celebrated around the ring with their title belts. They made their way up the ramp and posted with their belts on the stage before heading to the back.
Then, the dark match main event took place between John Cena and Kane. The match ended in a disqualification when Kane hit John Cena with a chair.
After the match was over, Kane left the ringside area, but returned shortly after. He attempted a piledriver, but Cena countered it and nailed him with the Attitude Adjustment, which got a big pop from the live crowd.
Cena closed the show by wishing the fans happy holidays.
– Tonight’s WWE RAW Supershow opens up with the normal video package. We’re live from the Wells Fargo Center as a drumroll starts up. WWE Champion CM Punk welcomes us to Philadelphia. Punk says on behalf of John Laurinaitis, he is proud to announce the result of TLC. We still can’t see Punk yet, just hear him. Punk announces himself as the winner at TLC and out he comes to a big pop from the crowd. Punk makes his way to the ring.
Punk comes out and talks about retaining the WWE Title at TLC. Punk says he is beat up and sore but a lot of people thought he would never hold the WWE Title. Punk then introduces the new United States Champion, Zack Ryder, after another drumroll. Out comes Ryder to a nice pop from the crowd.
The crowd chants Ryder’s name and he soaks it up. Punk says he has saved the biggest for last, then talks about the World Heavyweight Title Chairs Match at TLC. Punk does a drumroll for Big Show or Mark Henry as the winner but says the unthinkable happened. Punk brings out the new World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan. Ryder, Punk and Bryan stand with their belts in the middle of the ring. Punk says if any city would appreciate this scene right here, it would be Philadelphia. The crowd chants ECW. Punk talks about he and Bryan meeting 10 years ago at the Murphy rec center down the street and it gets a big pop and now here they are as WWE and World Champion. Punk puts over Ryder next and gets the crowd to fist pump. Punk calls this crazy. Punk puts over Bryan and Ryder some more and wants to hear from them now.
Ryder says he still can’t believe it and had to call his dad this morning to make sure he was the United States Champion. Bryan says nobody even expected him to get to WWE. Bryan brings up Michael Cole and the crowd boos while Cole rants at ringside. Bryan says he got here and he’s champion… not just any champion but the World Heavyweight Champion. Bryan goes on but stops when The Miz, Dolph Ziggler and Alberto Del Rio come out to the ring and surround it. Punk, Bryan and Ryder get ready to fight and stop the heels from entering the ring by knocking them back. Ryder leaps over the ropes and takes out Ziggler. Miz and Del Rio attack Ryder until Punk and Bryan run them off and up the stage. John Laurinaitis runs out and stops the four from fighting. Laurinaitis makes Miz, Ziggler and Del Rio vs. Bryan, Punk and Ryder for tonight. Laurinaitis says this is his Christmas present to the Superstars and the WWE Universe. Laurinaitis wishes everyone a Happy Holidays as we go to the announcers.
– Cole hypes Kane’s return on last week’s show and says tonight, John Cena will speak out. Wade Barrett vs. Randy Orton is up next after commercial.
Wade Barrett vs. Randy Orton
Back from the break and out comes Randy Orton to a big pop. His opponent Wade Barrett is out next.
The bell rings and Barrett strikes first, taking the fight to the corner. Barrett beats Orton down and stomps on him. Orton turns it around with right hands and slams Barrett for 2. They go to the floor and Barrett lays Orton out with a running boot to the head. Barrett gets back in the ring as we go to commercial.
Back from the break and Barrett is still in control. Barrett knocks Orton back out of the ring with a big boot to the face. Orton makes it back in and fights out of a headlock. Orton catches a kick and comes back with clotheslines and the powerslam. Barrett blocks the DDT and goes for Wasteland. Orton blocks that with the backbreaker. Orton hits the second rope draping DDT and readies for the RKO. Barrett hits Orton with a thumb to the eyes and gets disqualified.
Winner by DQ: Randy Orton
– After the bell, Barrett continues the attack on Orton as the referee tries to get him to stop. Barrett stomps away on Orton and hits the Winds of Change sideslam. Barrett brings a table from under the ring and slides it in. Barrett hits another big boot to the head as Orton is getting up. Barrett sets the table up and puts Orton through it with Wasteland.
– Cole and Lawler talk about TLC and Kevin Nash getting hurt. Alicia Fox is shown backstage as is Divas Champion Beth Phoenix as we go back to commercial.
Beth Phoenix vs. Alicia Fox
Back from the break and out comes the WWE Divas Champion Beth Phoenix to the ring. Out next comes Alicia Fox. They go at it and Beth drops Alicia with a sidewalk slam. Alicia makes a comeback and drops a leg for the quick pinWinner: Alicia Fox
– After the match, Alicia takes the mic and says she hopes everyone has a Foxy Holiday.
– We get more hype for tonight’s six-man main event before going back to break.
Sheamus vs. Jinder Mahal
Back from the break and out comes Sheamus followed by his opponent Jinder Mahal. Mahal rips Sheamus on the mic as he makes his way to the ring. Mahal says it’s time someone put Sheamus in his place. The bell rings and Mahal goes behind. Sheamus fights him off. Mahal comes back with kicks and knees to the gut. Sheamus drops him with a right hand and goes to work. Mahal kicks Sheamus and kicks his knee out. Mahal with a dropkick to the head.
Mahal with another high knee for a 2 count. Sheamus makes a comeback but misses the battering ram from the top. Sheamus connects with the Irish Curse backbreaker and the Celtic Cross for the win.
Winner: Sheamus
– Up next, John Cena speaks out about Kane.
– Back from the break and we get a replay of Kane attacking John Cena last week. Cena comes out and gets a mixed reaction from the Philadelphia crowd. Cena heads to the ring.
Cena is met with mostly boos as he enters the ring. Cena says what he’s about to say is shocking and jokingly warns the fans. Cena says apparently there are people out there that don’t like him and apparently he can get under some people’s skin. Cena brings up The Rock and says he is ready for April 1st. Cena says there is a monster on the loose and talks about Kane chokeslamming him to hell last week. The crowd cheers somewhat.
Cena says if last week was a mistake, he will let bygones be bygones and they will go their separate ways. If last week wasn’t a mistake, then they have business and they should handle that business. Mark Henry’s music hits and out he comes in street clothes, limping with a boot on.
Henry says Cena would be the next member in the Hall of Pain, if it wasn’t for Kane. The crowd chants “Sexual Chocolate” as Henry enters the ring. Henry tells Cena to kick rocks and get out of his face. He’s all the business Cena needs to worry about. Cena posts up to fight when the stage explodes and the lights go out. Kane’s music hits and out he comes.
Kane enters the ring and Cena unloads on him. Cena sends Kane to the floor but he lands on his feet. Kane pulls Cena out and throws him over the announce table. Kane beats Cena up with big right hands. Kane looks to choke Cena out with a mandible and Cena is bleeding. Kane rips off Cena’s shirt and leaves with it as his music plays. We go to commercial.
Epico and Primo vs. The Usos
Back from the break and Primo, Epico and Rosa Mendes are in the ring. Out next come The Usos with their grand entrance.
Primo starts off for his team and Jimmy does for his. The Usos take control early on. Epico distracts Uso and Primo dropkicks him off the ropes. Primo stomps away and tags in Epico. Epico continues stomping as Rosa cheers them on. Primo tags back in and continues the assault. We see Kofi Kingston and Evan Bourne watching backstage. Epico with a pair of pin attempts on Uso.
More back and forth action. Jimmy clears the ring and hits the big splash in the corner like Rikishi. Primo gets laid out but Epico comes from behind with the Backstabber for the winWinners: Epico and Primo
– Back from the break and Cody Rhodes is backstage with Josh Matthews. Cody talks about Booker T but is interrupted by Santino Marella. Santino has a Christmas present for Cody but he doesn’t want it. It’s the Christmas Cobra and Santino taunts Cody with it. We go to commercial.
Santino Marella vs. Cody Rhodes
Out first comes Santino Marella followed by the WWE Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes. Santino goofs off to start the match and Cody drops him. Cody takes him to the corner. Santino tries to come back but Cody gets the win with Cross Rhodes.
Winner: Cody Rhodes
– We get a video looking back at this year’s Tribute to the Troops.
– Back from the break and The Bella Twins are arguing with John Laurinaitis between them. David Otunga is there and they aren’t happy with the way Teddy Long talked to them at TLC. Laurinaitis says the Board has concerns about Teddy too and they’re watching him. The Bellas kiss Laurinaitis and walk off. Vickie Guerrero comes in pissed off wanting a rematch for Dolph Ziggler. She gets kissed under mistletoe by Hornswoggle the elf.
– We get more hype from TLC and a video from TLC of Zack Ryder’s dad commenting on his win.
– Josh Matthews is backstage with Big Show. Show talks about losing the World Heavyweight Title at TLC and gets emotional. Show says it’s his fault – he encouraged Daniel Bryan on SmackDown to not wait until WrestleMania 28. Matthews points out Show has the shortest World Title reign in history. Show goes from about to cry to pissed off.
The Miz, Dolph Ziggler and Alberto Del Rio vs. CM Punk, Zack Ryder and Daniel Bryan
We go to the ring and out first comes The Miz followed by Dolph Ziggler. Alberto Del Rio comes driving in but his entrance is interrupted by a new cryptic video before we go back to commercial.
Back from the break and out comes WWE United States Champion Zack Ryder through the crowd. World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan is out next, also through the crowd. WWE Champion CM Punk is out next, coming through the crowd.
Punk and Miz start things off. Punk with a headlock and a shoulder for a quick pin attempt. Punk works on the arm and tags in Bryan for some double teaming. Bryan with a dropkick for a 2 count. Ziggler comes in but gets double teamed by Bryan and Ryder. Ziggler ends up on the floor. Del Rio runs in and misses a dropkick ending up on the floor. They dump Miz to the floor. Bryan, Ryder and Punk all come down taking out their opponents. The faces hit the ring to pose for the fans as we go to commercial.
Back from the break and Bryan is kicking Miz. Miz turns it around and drops Bryan for a 2 count. Del Rio comes in and they keep Bryan in the corner. Del Rio with a dropkick to the back of Bryan for a 2 count. Ziggler comes in and keeps Bryan down with a headlock. Bryan fights out but Ziggler clotheslines him for a 2 count. Miz comes in and keeps up the attack on Bryan. Miz with a kick to the head and another 2 count. Another tag to Del Rio. Bryan finally makes a comeback with uppercuts but gets whipped hard into the corner. Del Rio with a big kick to the head and Bryan goes down in the corner.
Del Rio connects with a backbreaker on Bryan for a 2 count. Ziggler comes in and beats Bryan down in the corner again. Ziggler charges and Bryan kicks him in the mouth. Ryder gets the tag and unloads on Ziggler. Ryder drops Ziggler in the corner and hits the Broski Boot. Ryder knocks Miz and Del Rio off the apron before a pin attempt on Ziggler. Ziggler turns it around and tags in Miz who keeps Ryder grounded. Miz holds Ryder from tagging and slams him back in the corner. Miz with shoulder thrusts on Ryder now. Del Rio tags back in but Ryder dumps him out to the floor. Ryder tags in Punk as Miz tags in. Punk with forearms and a swinging neckbreaker. Punk hits the high knee in the corner and the bulldog. Punk with a scoop slam before going up high and hitting the big elbow drop.
Punk covers for a 2 count and then applies the Anaconda Vice but Ziggler breaks it up. Ziggler stomps on Punk until Ryder pulls him out of the ring. Bryan dropkicks Del Rio from the top. Miz stomps on Bryan but Punk makes the save. Punk hits GTS on Miz and he rolls out of the ring. Del Rio comes from behind and knocks Punk out of the ring. Del Rio throws Bryan into the turnbuckles. Bryan counters Del Rio and applies the LaBell Lock. Del Rio taps out to end the match.
Winners: CM Punk, Zack Ryder and Daniel Bryan
– After the match, the champions go to ringside to pose for the fans as RAW goes off the air.
— WWE developmental wrestler Dean Ambrose wrestled a dark match prior to Monday’s RAW from Philadelphia, losing to Ted DiBiase via Dreamstreet. Prior to the match, Ambrose cut a promo making fun of the people of Philadelphia and warning everybody to stay out of his way when he’s in WWE.
— Matches taped on Monday night for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars include:
* Evan Bourne and Kofi Kingston vs. Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks
* Alex Riley vs. Michael McGillicutty
— WWE will hold a Raw SuperShow on Monday, March 19, 2012 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Tickets go on sale Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. via ComcastTix.com.
– Social media blog Mashable.com has announced their 2011 Mashable Awards winners, with WWE winning for six categories:
Digital Company of the Year: WWE
Must Follow Brand on Social Media: WWE
Must Follow Actor on Social Media: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Must Follow Athlete on Social Media: John Cena
Game of the Year: THQ’s WWE ’12
Best Social Good Cause Campaign: be a STAR
– WWE.com has a new interview WrestleMania-themed interview up with Shawn Michaels. The WWE Hall of Famer said he has some regrets regarding his career, especially his WrestleMania 14 match with Steve Austin. Michaels said:
“I just wasn’t in a great place physically or emotionally. That one could have been so much more. Steve didn’t get me at my best. And that’s unfortunate, because it was the last time I got to work with him. Steve went on to such great things afterward, and I had an opportunity to make that match so much more.”
Michaels also said he shudders to think what he and Bret Hart could have accomplished if they had gotten along.
— To update Mark Henry’s health and why he dropped the World Heavyweight title last night months earlier than originally planned, Henry’s injury is either a severely pulled groin or a torn hamstring. Henry’s situation is so bad that he was in no condition to perform last last night but they needed to get the belt off of him.
– Daniel Bryan wrote the following on Twitter regarding his title win at TLC:
“Six years ago CM Punk and I wrestled a 45 minute match in Florida in front of probably 36 people. It’s fun watching us pretend to be superstars when we’re really just a couple of Indy schmucks.”
– Gabe Sapolsky commented on Daniel Bryan’s World Heavyweight title win at TLC:
“I think a boundary was broken last night by two remarkable athletes and people. This just validates that the best talent and the new generation of stars can come from the independent wrestling scene. I believe we have today’s new stars in Dragon Gate USA and Evolve. the new Punks and Bryans are at the top of their game in each promotion.” Give it a shot and enjoy the ride to the top of WWE. Congrats to Punk and Bryan. they both deserve this and worked hard for it.”
– Alberto Del Rio’s personal ring announcer Ricardo Rodriguez got a ton of respect backstage at TLC for the insane bump he took off the top of a ladder through a table outside the ring. Mick Foley, known for taking a bump or two in his day, commented on the impressive stunt:
“Hope @RRWWE is feeling ok today..for real. Ricardo, that was one HECK of a bump, my friend! Worried about that mustard stain on the tux, too.”
– Friday’s edition of SmackDown drew a 1.99 rating with 2,881,000 viewers.
Former WWE creative team member Seth Mates says if history is any indication – we shouldn’t expect a long title reign from new World Heavyweight champion Daniel Bryan. Mates tweeted on Monday afternoon @SethMates:
“To borrow a holiday metaphor, this is the time of year (between Survivor Series and the Royal Rumble) when Vince (McMahon) ‘tries on’ his new clothes or new main eventers.”
“Foley (99), Jericho (01), Evolution (03), Edge (06), Sheamus (09), Miz (10), Bryan (11) among those elevated during this stretch of (the year). And to continue with the bad holiday metaphor, Vince has (until) Royal Rumble undercard to return them if they don’t fit just right. Also, Jeff Hardy in ’08 – almost forgot him.”
“So don’t be surprised if Bryan loses the title at (Royal Rumble). Not a dealbreaker…just Vince’s history with change.”
As previously reported, WWE had planned to keep the title on Mark Henry much longer. However, Henry suffered a groin injury during his match with John Cena on RAW last week and the call was made for Henry to drop the title to Big Show and for Bryan to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase. Since Daniel Bryan’s title win was a decision that was made only days ago, it remains to be seen what WWE has planned for the World Heavyweight title in the early months of 2012.
– The New York Times has an article up today featuring NBC Universal executive Bonnie Hammer. The report features several quotes from WWE CEO Vince McMahon. When Vince was asked about working alongside Hammer, he said:
“She just came in and rolled up her sleeves. She taught us a lot about network quality writing, story arcs, character development. She really helped the overall brand.”
Hammer told The Times that she thought WWE should be a male soap opera and decided that a heavy sports emphasis of WWE’s programming limited its audience.
– After Sunday’s WWE TLC pay-per-view went off the air, CM Punk continued to celebrate by thrusting his arm into the air from atop the ladder to keep the crowd going. He then took a leisurely lap around ringside to interact with fans. When
Punk passed Lillian Garcia, he applied the open end of his handcuff to her arm (much to her surprise it seemed) and with a huge smile on his face led her into the back. She seemed slightly embarrassed, but amused.
– Divas champion Beth Phoenix mentioned Kharma in a tweet last night after TLC. Phoenix wrote:
“I’m not afraid of anyone or anything. I don’t believe in Kharma. I believe in me, myself, and I.”
Natalya has since chimed in with the following:
“@TheBethPhoenix … Not even @kharma can break us. Pinup strong forever.”
– The WWE website has a storyline update on Kevin Nash’s character following his Sledgehammer Ladder match with Triple H at Sunday’s TLC pay-per-view. As per the angle, Nash was “rushed to a near medical facility” with a nasal fracture and “multiple contusions.” WWE physician Chris Amann is quoted in the article and states that Nash will be out for up to 6 weeks.
— WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts has launched a new business at HandsToGo.com. The website is a site that sells portable massage devices. The $98 package includes the massager, 2 wires, 4 pads and free shipping.
Former WWE superstar Batista tweeted the following about Daniel Bryan’s World Heavyweight title win on Sunday night:
“excuse me! did i hear that right? Daniel Bryan World Heavyweight Champ. ummmmmmm…..ok.”
After Batista’s tweet set off a firestorm of responses from people calling him a hater for apparently not sounding pleased with WWE’s decision to put the World title on Bryan, he replied:
“man did that comment bring the tough guy haters out. well i’m at Gracie Fighter Tampa daily. 6333 s. dale mabry hwy Tampa FL. stop on by”
Shortly thereafter, Batista followed up with the following statement, explaining his relationship with Daniel Bryan and why tweets from haters mean nothing to him:
“so to clear up any misunderstanding about me hating on Daniel Bryan…actually i’ve been a supporter of his for years,unlike most of you Johnny come lately smart mark supporters. we actually had a hell of a match together that was originally supposed to be a squash match until this old broken down ex bodybuilder who never deserved to be champion and only had it handed to me because HHH was my boy…refused to job the kid out because i knew how good he was and wanted to have a f*cking match with him before i left the company. and a hell of a match we had considering where our respective places in the company were at the time. so yes im aware of all of his accomplishments and hard work through out the years and i’m thrilled to death for him….but still…World Heavyweight champ???ummmmmmm…ok. opinions are like *ssholes. my Twitter account,my opinion. and to all the bitch ass haters who just dogged me out and bitched about how horrible i was…..i’ve worked with HHH, the Undertaker,Rey Mysterio,Randy Orton Stone Cold,Edge,John Cena,Chris Benoit,Ric Fucking Flair!!etc.etc.. and they all respected me and my work. Eddie Guerrero respected my work. so don’t expect your little bullsh*t remarks to actually carry any weight. in your b*tch ass faces!! “
– John Cena was backstage at WWE’s TLC pay-per-view, but did not appear on television. It was decided by WWE’s creative team that it would be best to give Cena the night off and put the focus on Punk, Daniel Bryan and others.
– Everybody was very happy with the Triple Threat main event. Despite each men taking huge bumps during the match, CM Punk, The Miz, Alberto Del Rio and Ricardo Rodriguez were all ok after the match, but were understandably banged up.
– According to a source close to Kevin Nash, his match with Triple H at TLC will most likely be his farewell retirement match.
While it’s always possible he could lace up his boots again in the future, he was giving people the impression backstage that TLC was his last match. Nash tweeted after TLC:
Over the weekend, pictures were posted online of new anti-John Cena merchandise, including t-shirts that read “CENA SUCKS” and “We Can’t See You” with a picture of Cena’s face crossed out.
Cena has been responding to tweets about the new merchandise and revealed that WWE has wanted to capitalize on Cena haters for many years now:
“They have wanted too since 2008. I told them no. Finally I just said I dont care. Im fine with the way things are. Some like me. Some don’t.”
A fan asked Cena if WWE was disrespecting him by profiting off people taunting him. Cena said:
“Agreed. But WTF. Ignore it no longer. Its out there so those that wanna be like that should be able to voice their opinion. Like I said doesn’t change me one bit. Stay true..always have.. always will”
Another fan asked Cena when WWE was going to release anti-Rock shirts. Cena says there’s a double standard and we’ll never see merchandise disrespecting his WrestleMania 28 opponent:
CM Punk issued a statement on Twitter last night after TLC congratulating WWE’s young superstars on a historic night. Punk, who has been saying for months that he wanted to bring about change in WWE and pave the way for new talent to break through – and he’s proud that change has finally begun:
“Very proud right now. Proud of @WWEDanielBryan proud of @ZackRyder proud of my crew of young, talented hard workers. @findevan @TrueKofi …and a ton of others. Tonight was a great step toward the future of the wrestling business. That change I’ve been talking about? Started.”
Punk says he’s got his sights set on WrestleMania 28 – and he’s not waiting for the Royal Rumble to begin his “march to WrestleMania” –
“My march to Wrestlemania doesn’t begin after the rumble. It’s starts today. You’re in or you’re out. If you’re out, you’ll be left behind.”
Punk also tweeted a picture of himself and Daniel Bryan backstage at TLC, both holding their championship belts. The caption of the picture read:
Skip Sheffield, who has been on the sideline for almost a year and is expected to return to WWE soon, tweeted several cryptic messages over the weekend.
Sheffield hinted that he could be the man behind the recent “It Begins” videos and could be returning as his “Ryback” Terminator character.
“Sitting in a chair at a table in Sin City wondering why this ladder is in front of me? Laughing at the gossip, the Secret Power, it begins..
Who am I? Only time will tell, but rest assured narkboys Im not a Terminator sent to save John Connor. I also hate College Station #Fake
I refuse to type it yyywid is fake, accept n forget. My life my rules. Born n raised in Sin City, soon a psycho will be unleashed. #Patience”
It’s worth noting that back in October, it was reported that WWE applied to register a new trademarks for the name “Ryback.”
– Tonight’s WWE RAW Supershow takes place from Philadelphia, PA at the Wells Fargo Center. WWE is hyping fallout from TLC as well as an appearance from Kane, who returned last week.
The advertised dark main event will see John Cena vs. The Miz vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. CM Punk.
– Among the WWE-related topics that were trending worldwide on Twitter during TLC were:
CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, The Miz, Alberto Del Rio, MITB, Ricardo Rodriguez, WWE Network, Big Show, Figure 4, Kevin Nash, Triple H, Johnny Ace, Beth Phoenix, Kelly Kelly, Sheamus, RKO, The Bella Twins, Lilian Garcia, Zack Ryder, Wade Barrett, Teddy Long, Hornswoggle, Hunico and Rosa Mendes.
– BG James spoke to WWE.com last week and confirmed he is working with the WWE’s younger talent behind the scenes and helping groom the next generation of superstars. Road Dogg said that he still has something to offer the business and is excited for this new chapter in his career.
Shawn Michaels and William Regal, who both trained Daniel Bryan early in his wrestling career, commented on Bryan’s World Heavyweight title win at TLC last night.
HBK: “Obviously a big congratulations is due to Daniel Bryan. I couldn’t be happier for him. Awesome young man whose bright future has started!!”
Regal: “I’m very happy for Daniel Bryan.Well deserved.A truly world class Pro Wrestler and now World Champion.”
Bryan’s former home, Ring of Honor, also congratulated their former champion:
“We at Ring of Honor Wrestling congratulate Bryan Danielson on winning the World Heavyweight title. #watchroh RT”
Just minutes after Big Show defeated Mark Henry to capture the World Heavyweight championship, Daniel Bryan cashes in Money in the Bank and pins the Big Show to win the title.
The reason why WWE decided to take the World Heavyweight title off Mark Henry at Sunday’s TLC PPV is because Mark Henry is legitimately hurt.
Henry suffered what’s being described as a pulled groin, which he reportedly suffered during his match against John Cena on Raw last week.
After having the injury evaluated, it turned out to be more serious than originally thought.
The majority of WWE’s creative team wanted Henry to work a lighter schedule until the injury healed up, however Vince McMahon made the call to end Mark Henry’s title run months earlier than originally planned.