In case you missed it from RAW – video of Mr. McMahon informing Triple H that the Board of Directors has decided to relieve him of his duties as WWE COO:
Category: WWE
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3 Big Matches Announced For WWE Vengeance (10/23)
WWE Vengeance WWE announced three big matches for Vengeance on Monday’s RAW Supershow:
* WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio vs. John Cena
*World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry vs. The Big Show
* Triple H & CM Punk vs. Miz & R-Truth.
Based on Cody Rhodes’ beatdown of Randy Orton on RAW following Orton’s match with Mark Henry, it looks like there’s a good chance we’ll see Randy Orton vs. the Intercontinental champion at Vengeance as well.
WWE Vengeance takes place on Sunday, October 23rd.
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New RAW GM, Vince, R-Truth & Miz Return, JR Fired
– WWE Chairman Vince McMahon made a surprise return on Monday’s RAW. In an ironic twist of fate, Vince McMahon informed Triple H that the Board of Directors had relieved Triple H of his duties as COO. This is the same explanation Vince McMahon was given back in July when Triple H informed him he was forced out of his job.
– Vince McMahon named John Laurinaitis is the new interim RAW General Manager.
– It was announced during RAW that Laurinaitis can now be followed on Twitter @WWERAWGM.
– Jim Ross was fired by John Laurinaitis on RAW, which took place from JR’s home state of Oklahoma.
– The Miz and R-Truth have been reinstated. CM Punk was wrestling WWE champion Alberto Del Rio during the main event of RAW, when Laurinaitis came out and told them the match was being changed to a tag team match. Punk and Del Rio would be teaming up against the reinstated Miz and R-Truth.
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Melina Says People In WWE Are Strangling The Art Of Wrestling
Last Monday, the Superstars of Raw voted “no confidence” in WWE Chief Operating Officer Triple H’s leadership of WWE’s flagship brand. Former WWE Women’s Champion Melina has weighed in on the matter as a fan asked her on Twitter tonight during Raw if she herself would have walked out.
Melina responds (which she later challenged the “dirt sheets” to publish): “I don’t watch the show but this is my take, I would have walked out on the people who tell lies to the WWE Universe who say they fight for them and that they are trying to make a change but they aren’t trying at all.
“That “1%” who are only out for themselves and don’t care who they step on to get there do not have my respect. I’d walk out on those hypocrites but that has nothing to do with the fans. I would walk out on the people strangling the art of wrestling because The Fans DESERVE to see the talent they love get opportunities! The WWE Universe DESERVES to see The BEST in sports entertainment which is not being provided. I would walk out on those who are keeping the Fans from getting that.
“As I said before, I do not watch so I don’t know what the story lines are or what’s going on. I’m just pretending what I would do in an imaginary scenario that has lots of truth behind it.”
Melina continued airing her grievances as she further explained why she no longer watches WWE programming.
“I don’t watch because I know that everyone is kept from what they are capable of. There’s so much talent being held back,” she wrote to a fan. “I used to watch as a fan. Knowing what I know, it hurts to watch my friends not be able to do what they are capable of doing.”
She added further, “I do believe the fans deserve 2C what THEY want & not be told what they “should” C. Stop playing & give the fans what they want!”
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Former Diva Explains Why John Morrison Isn’t Receiving A Push
Former WWE Divas Maria Kanellis and Lilian Garcia hosted the first edition of their post-Raw show for AfterBuzzTV.com last Monday night (streaming live every Monday night immediately following Raw at http://www.ustream.tv/afterbuzztv). Highlights from the broadcast are as follows:
* Last week’s Raw kicked off with Drew McIntyre competing in his first singles match on WWE’s flagship program in several months, against Randy Orton. The hosts pondered why the Scottish wrestler is not receiving a greater push considering that he possesses extraordinary talent.
Maria cryptically says, “I have a feeling he’s paid for someone else’s sins, problems, because Drew’s really good. I’d love to see him do more stuff, but it’s unfortunate that that happens.”
Another WWE Superstar in the same precarious situation is John Morrison, whose promotion has significantly leveled off since the spring. Lilian pondered later in the show, “I really wonder why he’s not getting a push?”
Maria explains, “I think it’s a lot of complications of outside stuff. I think that a lot of times they go with who’s going to be there, who’s always going to be there, who’s going to be the easiest. He’s very easy and I love him to pieces, but I think it’s outside complications. I think that’s why.”
* Lilian, who handled ring announcing duties for Raw for ten years, explained why it’s been difficult for her to watch the show since leaving WWE in 2009.
She says, “I actually really attempted to watch a show and my stomach was in knots. I did watch WrestleMania, and I tweeted along and it was great, the fans were tweeting right back, it ended up trending worldwide, it was crazy, it was awesome. However, just watching a regular Monday Night Raw, my stomach was in knots, and it was in knots tonight. It’s just that thing of, “Wow, I really did leave.”
“It was my part for ten years. It’s funny because it’s ten years and it seems like it was more because you live and breath it every single day and every single week. You don’t have any down time, and so it’s been hard to watch an episode.”
She continued, “So it’s not like I didn’t like it or didn’t want to, it’s really one of those things where it was sad that I left but at the same time I know I made the right decision.”
The complete show can be accessed here.
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Update On Lesnar’s Inclusion In “WWE ’12”, Commercial Set
TMZ.com reports that UFC fighter Brock Lesnar will be a “featured star” in THQ’s WWE ’12 video game after an agreement was reached.
THQ approached Lesnar in January and asked for permission to use his name and likeness in the game and advertising campaign. The former WWE Superstar was ecstatic over the idea, but wouldn’t agree to terms unless he received permission from UFC president Dana White. The outspoken mixed martial arts promoter gave Lesnar his blessing.
White told TMZ, “I love WWE and I have nothing but love for Vince McMahon — I’m totally okay with Brock being in the game.”
The first commercial for the game featuring Lesnar will be released tomorrow.
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Former DX Member Says He’s Returning to WWE
Former WWE and TNA Superstar “Road Dogg” BG James announced on Facebook this afternoon that he’s signed with WWE as an agent/producer. He wrote:
“Ok guys,if you dont know already,here goes;I have recently been hired,on a trial,6 week period,as an agent/producer with the WWE.Its the job Ive wanted and prayed about for a while now.He answered my prayers and now its my turn to repay Him w/my service.God bless you guys and have a great evening!”
It was recently reported that James was scouting talent in India for TNA, for a new television show that they are looking at producing.
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Jericho On Nancy Grace Tonight, Ziggler Jabs Cena-Rock & More
– WWE United States Champion Dolph Ziggler was asked by a fan on Twitter if he is supporting The Rock or John Cena at WrestleMania 28. Ziggler replied:
“Neither! I support the guys/gals that work the other 364 days”
– Speaking of WresteMania 28, NFL star Jason Taylor spoke with The Miami Herald this weekend about The Rock and noted he would be in attendance for WrestleMania 28 next year for The Rock vs. John Cena.
– Chris Jericho tweeted this afternoon that he will be appearing on Nancy Grace’s show tonight. Nancy Grace, who is currently a contestant on the ABC show Dancing with the Stars, will have Jericho on as a special guest for tonight’s DWTS-themed show tonight. Jericho wrote:
“Headed to the studio to do tonights Nancy Grace show on HLN. I was gonna go to Raw but apparently nobody is gonna be there…”
– WWE apparently played a part in the “Rock in Rio 4” benefit music festival that was held at the end of September and the first few days of October. During the concert’s live stream on YouTube last Sunday night after WWE’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view, while System of a Down was playing, the feed cut out and a satellite error came up that read “WWE HD STAMFORD.” It’s believed that WWE may have been offering some of their satellites to the festival so they could transmit the show to viewers around the world.
(Partial source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
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RAW Locker Room Vacant, Helms Update, SmackDown Rating
– Friday’s WWE Smackdown on SyFy drew a 2.02 rating, which is up from the previous week’s 1.95. Friday’s show averaged approximately three million viewers.
– The WWE website published an article on Monday afternoon that talks about tonight’s “Solidarity Rally.” The article includes a picture of the vacant RAW locker room, which you can view at WWE.com.
– Former WWE star Shane Helms, who is still recovering from his life threatening motorcycle accident back on May 5th, tweeted the following on Monday regarding his severely injured foot:
“After almost losing my foot (and life) in May, I’m officially off the crutches. Still limping like a fool but it’s progress.”
Helms and his girlfriend were badly injured after Helms crashed his motorcycle back on May 5th. He’s had multiple surgeries since then and still has a very long road to recovery.
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Morrison Mocks Cena-Triple H, WWE ’12 Legends & More
– Former WWE diva Tammy “Sunny” Sytch no-showed yet another event this past weekend, a ‘Legends of the Ring’ this past Saturday in Monroe, New Jersey. She was spotted at the hotel bar the night before, but never made it to the actual convention as advertised. This is the second week in a row that she’s no-showed events.
– More legends have been confirmed for the upcoming WWE ’12 video game, including former WWE tag team champions Demolition, Kevin Nash, Booker T and Arn Anderson.
— John Morrison wrote the following on Twitter on Monday regarding tonight’s RAW. Clearly playing off the “Occupy Wall Street” protests that are underway in New York City, Morrison wrote:
“#OccupyRAW today! We are the 55 who are tired of doing work that the top 1% of the WWE payroll unjustly profit from #HealthInsurance?”
“I urge all WWE superstars & divas to join our #Rally today- don’t be a scab! have some integrity!”
Morrison also posted a cartoon of John Cena licking Triple H’s feet:
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Jericho Comments On RAW Protesters, NJPW Title Changes
– Multiple title changes took place on Monday in Japan at New Japan Pro Wrestling’s “Destruction ’11” event from Tokyo.
ROH World champion Davey Richards and his partner Rocky Romero captured the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Titles from Prince Devitt and Ryusuke Taguchi.
Former WWE wrestler MVP dropped the IWGP Intercontinental Title to Masato Tanaka.
– Former WWE superstar Chris Jericho got some media attention recently when he stated that WWE superstars have been ripping off his ideas and moves. With several WWE superstars planning to protest tonight’s “Solidarity Rally” on RAW with picket signs, Jericho is calling people out once again for being unoriginal. Jericho posted the following comment on video on Twitter on Monday:
“Why is everyone onboard with the petitioning now, but nobody was when @IAmJericho did it?
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Mickie James Recalls Vince McMahon Yelling At Her Backstage
Mickie James has revealed in an interview how Vince McMahon yelled at her in the aftermath of her first WrestleMania match.
James debuted in WWE in 2005 and participated in a memorable angle with Trish Stratus. The storyline climaxed at WrestleMania 22 where James capture the WWE Women’s Championship from the blonde bombshell, but contained a controversial moment. Her character had developed crazed lust-like feelings for her opponent, touched Stratus’ crotch and made a provocative gesture towards the camera insinuating lesbian intimacy.
McMahon was furious with James and ordered the gesture be edited out of future video releases.
Speaking to Wrestlecast, James recalls: “The only people that remember that are the people watching or who were there live and in person. It didn’t make the DVD.
“I came back through the curtain and Vince was really mad. In the moment it had seemed amazing to me. I thought ‘Vince will love this’.
“‘Crass’ was the word I got. He didn’t like it at all. He told me ‘We’re going to have to go back and edit that out. Do you know how much time (this will take)?’
“This was my first Wrestlemania, my mom was in the audience, I’m freaking out already. I’m back through the curtain and I’m already in tears and an emotional mess. And I got yelled at.”
James, along with TNA star Magnus, participated in a near 50-minute chat which featured many interesting anecdotes about their respective careers. The podcast can be accessed here.
Here’s a little bonus video of one of the more memorable moments from the Trish Stratus – Mickie James feud:
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WWE Network News: New Slogan, Poll To Name First Show
WWE is asking fans to help them name the first show on the upcoming WWE Network, which they’ve now dubbed “the most interactive channel in television history.”
The first show on the WWE Network is described as “a retrospective on the greatest entertainment spectacular of all time, WrestleMania. Each episode will transport you back to a single WrestleMania, starting with the Show of Show’s thrilling debut at Madison Square Garden in 1985, all the way to WrestleMania XXVIII in Miami. Join us as we revisit each epic event through complete matches, never-before-seen footage, and in-depth commentary from the Superstars and Legends who’ve shared WWE’s grandest stage.”
The choices for the poll include:
- WrestleMania Revisited
- WrestleMania Rewind
- WrestleMania Flashback
- WrestleMania Review
You can vote online now by clicking here.
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Video: Linda McMahon’s First Senate 2012 Campaign Ad
Linda McMahon’s Senate 2012 campaign has released its first ad, titled, “Back to Work”
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RAW Preview: Solidarity Rally, Major Brawl Teased
Tonight’s WWE RAW Supershow emanates from the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Following last week’s “No Confidence” vote and the walkout that concluded the show, a “solidarity rally” is planned for tonight, with the disgruntled Superstars that will take place in the parking lot of the arena for tonight’s show.
Several WWE superstars tweeted over the weekend that they will be protesting at tonight’s RAW and will not return to work until Triple H is removed from power. The Chesapeake Energy Arena website lists the following preview for tonight’s RAW:
“Triple H vows to absolutely not step down from running Monday Night RAW. Furthermore, Triple H vows that John Cena, CM Punk, Randy Orton, Sheamus and the Big Show will headline Monday night’s event. However, 55 of the WWE Superstars who walked out last week have vowed not to return until Triple H is removed from power.”
The WWE website has been teasing that a brawl will take place at the “solidarity rally” tonight – with Cena, Punk, Orton, Sheamus and Big Show ready to confront the 55 superstars who walked out last week.
And of course, with RAW taking place from WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross’ home state of Oklahoma, don’t be surprised to see JR attacked or embarrassed in some way tonight.
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Darren Young Comments On His Welless Violation & Suspension
WWE performer Darren Young has broken his silence about his 30-day suspension from WWE following his violation of the company’s Wellness Policy last week. Young wrote the following on Twitter over the weekend:
“To the WWE Universe, I sincerely apologize to my loving family, my supportive friends back up North, my peers who I have an incredible amount of respect for top to bottom and to all my fans that support #DYoung; I hear u loud and clear #WWE.
I take full responsibility for my actions as this will never occur again.
I love the @WWE and the worst thing you can do to me is keep me off that stage where I own it in that ring!
I accept this set back as a normal part of living; making a mental a note of it as a lessoned learned! D Young”
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Trailer Released For WWE’s Latest Cena Movie, “The Reunion”
The Reunion, a WWE Studios action film, stars WWE Superstar John Cena, Ethan Embry (Brotherhood, CSI Miami), Michael Rispoli (The Sopranos, Invincible, Mr. 3000), Boyd Holbrook (Milk) and Amy Smart (Road Trip, Starsky & Hutch, Varsity Blues).
The Cleary brothers, Sam (JOHN CENA), Leo (ETHAN EMBRY) and Douglas (BOYD HOLBROOK) take dysfunctional families to a new level. Sam and Leo have grown up hating each other and neither likes their juvenile delinquent kid brother, Douglas, to whom they’ve only recently been introduced. The sons share the same father, a womanizing drunk, but all have different mothers. Their father died a rich man, and when they’re brought together by their sister Nina (AMY SMART) to learn which of them will inherit the old man’s fortune, they are handed an unpleasant surprise.
A requirement of the will is that the three estranged siblings go into business together as bail bondsmen. Their first job is to bring in a parole violator who has left Leo with a $250,000 debt. Their search will take them into the mountains of Mexico where they encounter a drug lord and uncover a kidnapping plot, masterminded by an embittered entrepreneur (MICHAEL RISPOLI) that will endanger them all.
The movie opens in theaters Friday, October 21.
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Jericho Comments On WWE Return, Melina’s Relationship Status
– Chris Jericho answered a series of fan questions Saturday on Twitter and was asked if he plans on returning to WWE. He responded:
“No plans as of right now.”
– Since parting ways with WWE in August, Melina has been posting and favoring messages on Twitter which suggest that her relationship with John Morrison is not picture perfect. She interestingly added the following messages to her Favorites list late last week.
“I’m proud of my heart. It’s been played, stabbed, cheated, burned and broken, but somehow still works.”
“I never get jealous when I see my ex with someone else, because my parents always taught me to give my used toys to the less fortunate.”
– Former WWE star Stevie Richards turns 40 years old today.
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Chavo and Vickie Remember Eddie Guerrero On His Birthday
Both Chavo and Vickie Guerrero are remembering Eddie Guerrero today, who would have turned 44 years old.
Vickie wrote of her late husband on Twitter, “Happy 44th Birthday Eddie! I love you and you are missed! Thank you to everyone showing your love and respect for Eddie. My daughters and I are humbled and grateful. If Eddie was here today, he would have had a feast of all his fav foods. He always knew how to have fun and celebrate his bday!!!”
Chavo wrote, “Today is Eddie’s birthday. 44yrs old. I miss him very much! I know many of u do too. Let’s celebrate in his honor! Missed but not forgotten!”
“Eddie, As the best who said it…”VIVA LA RAZA!”
“In honor of Eddie’s birthday, I’m gonna frogsplash the 1st person to piss me off today!”
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Lesnar To Be Announced For “WWE ’12”, Miz Celebrates B’day
— Brock Lesnar will be announced as a “Legend” for THQ’s WWE ’12 video game later this week.
UFC approved of Lesnar’s inclusion in the game on the condition that he was presented as a wrestler and not a mixed martial artist.
There are no plans for Lesnar to be further involved with WWE.
— The Miz celebrated his 31st birthday Saturday by invading WWE’s Raw brand house show in Loveland, Colorado. He and R-Truth ran through the crowd in street clothes to interfere in the WWE Championship Match between Alberto Del Rio and John Cena, causing a disqualification. They knelt down with their hands behind their heads in surrender, but Evan Bourne and Kofi Kingston dove onto them from the top rope.
— Alberto Del Rio is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Inside Wrestling.
source: PWInsider.com
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CM Punk On What It Takes To Be A WWE Superstar
StreetCorner.com.au has a story on CM Punk’s appearance Friday at the Nickelodeon Australian Kids’ Choice Awards. The WWE Superstar stormed the stage after it was announced that Kyle Sandilands beat him out for the ‘Best Baddie’ award and told the crowd, “People in America don’t even know who Kyle Sandipants is. Punk was subsequently doused with the network’s trademark green slime.
During his trip Down Under, Punk participated in an interview with World News Australia and answered a series of WWE related questions. He was notably asked what it takes to be a WWE Superstar.
“Personality, I think, is the first thing,” Punk responds. “I think the second thing is the intangible… this is probably, actually, the first thing. You hear it a lot. People talk about the “it factor,” you know? Certain people have this intangible quality to them. And I can’t explain what it is, I don’t think Vince McMahon would be able to explain what it is, there’s just something about certain people that just reaches out and grabs you.
“And they don’t always have to be the tallest guys, the biggest guys. This goes for the girls, too, but there’s always just something about somebody, like a Jake Roberts or a Randy Orton where there’s just this air about them that kind of separates them from not only, I guess, civilians but other WWE Superstars and makes them the upper echelon. It’s just an intangible quality. Other than that, I think a lot of heart, sacrifice and hard work obviously goes a long way too.”
The video can be accessed here.
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WWE Remembers Halloween Havoc With Diamond Dallas Page
WWE.com has published an article looking back at Halloween Havoc, WCW’s annual October pay-per-view event.
Former WCW World Heavyweight Champion Diamond Dallas Page remembers Halloween Havoc as one of WCW’s biggest events, second only to Starrcade.
“All the competitors knew the importance of Halloween Havoc, it was the WCW equivalent to SummerSlam,” he tells WWE.com. “We held the last five Havocs in Las Vegas and the fans were electric. There were celebrities visiting us backstage. It was the closest we got to the feeling of today’s SummerSlam without being at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.”
Page vividly recalls his Havoc confrontations with Eddie Guerrero in 1996, “Macho Man” Randy Savage in 1997 and Bill Goldberg in 1998. He feels his match with Goldberg was especially great.
“I challenge anyone to find a better match than me and Goldberg at Havoc ’98,” he says. “There are few matches that were as physical, exhausting and psychological as that one. I just remember us both hurting and visiting the chiropractor after that.”
Halloween Havoc is often brought up among fans as one of the top events of the 1990s. Page attributes the “high-octane” matches and fan interest as the major factors in making it WCW’s second biggest event of the year.
“It was a great show for everyone involved, fans and competitors alike,” Page feels. “I say WWE should bring it back!”
The full article can be accessed here.
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CM Punk Missing Weekend Shows, Todd Grisham Leaves WWE
— CM Punk is en route to the United States after attending the Australian version of the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards Friday. Therefore, he isn’t scheduled for this weekend’s Raw live event tour.
The former WWE Champion was nominated for the “Best Baddie” award but lost to Australian radio and television personality Kyle Sandilands.
— Todd Grisham’s profile on WWE.com has been transferred from the SmackDown Superstars section to the Alumni section, thus finalizing his departure from the organization.
It was disclosed on the August 23, 2011 episode of NXT that Grisham, who handled play-by-play duties for the program, would be leaving WWE to pursue new interests—a job with ESPN.
— The October 7, 2011 episode of WWE Vintage Collection on Sky Sports featured the following matches: Barbarian vs. Meng (WCW Road Wild 1998), Doom vs. The Fabulous Freebirds (WCW Wrestle War 1991), Ron Simmons vs. Butch Reed (WCW SuperBrawl), Diesel vs. Shawn Michaels (In Your House: Good Friends, Better Enemies).
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Sin Cara Lands “WWE ’12” Video Game Cover, Japan Tour News
— Different countries have different artwork for THQ’s upcoming WWE ’12 video game and the original Sin Cara has been chosen for the cover in Mexico.
— Matches have been announced for WWE’s upcoming tour of Japan. November 30, 2011 at Yokohama Arena will feature John Cena vs. Alberto del Rio for the WWE Championship, Dolph Ziggler vs. Kofi Kingston for the United States Championship, and Kelly Kelly vs. Beth Phoenix for the Divas Championship. December 1, 2011 at Yokohama Arena will feature John Cena and CM Punk vs. TBA, Big Show vs. Mason Ryan, and Dolph Ziggler vs. Evan Bourne for the United States Championship.
— Kaitlyn turned twenty-five years old on Friday.
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HHH Comments On Monday’s Raw, “Solidarity Rally” To Be Held
In light of news that WWE Chief Operating Officer Triple H has vowed to not step down from running the Raw Supershow, Christian has spearheaded an effort by various Superstars, Divas, referees, announcers and crew members to travel to Oklahoma City on Monday and stage a “Solidarity Rally” in the backstage parking lot of the Chesapeake Energy Arena prior to the show. The contingent, which consists of those who walked out on Triple H this past Monday night, tell WWE.com that they will not return to the Raw Supershow or step into the venue to perform until Triple H relinquishes control.
Triple H stated earlier in a video interview that John Cena, CM Punk, Randy Orton, Sheamus and Big Show will headline Monday night’s telecast.
“Beyond that, I might not have referees, I might not have announcers, I might not have cameramans. Quite frankly, I don’t know what’s going to happen,” he said. “We’ll see what we come up with on Monday. Hell, they might all show up and I won’t let anyone back in.”