Kevin Nash wrote the following on Twitter today regarding WWE’s announcement that he’s been released and “future endeavored”:
“To set the record straight, I passed physical w/ flying colors. Cardiologist was amazed at my lipid profile. Couldn’t reach financial terms.
I will not be addressing this matter again. I am moving forward with my life. Cena, it was great having the chance to get to know you.”
Based on what we’re hearing – this is a storyline “release” and Nash was never under a talent contract to begin with. Nash signed a Legends deal back in January following his surprise return at the Royal Rumble and has been working under that deal ever since.
— WWE has pulled the Zack Ryder Broski Authentic T-shirt from their merchandise website. The purchase page for the T-Shirt reads “ITEM NOT AVAILABLE.”
The youth version of the shirt was also pulled.
The shirt was decided on by fans in a poll last June. The poll is still available on WWE’s Facebook page for Ryder and the image for the Broski shirt was deleted.
— The Informer teases in the October 2011 issue of WWE Magazine that a “certain Superstar is planning on making the leap to the music world by releasing an album sometime in 2012.”
— WWE Hall of Famers The Iron Sheik and Koko B Ware appear at Della Rose’s Restaurant 8153 Honeygo Blvd. Baltimore, Maryland this Friday from 8:00 p.m. They will also appear at George’s Cards and Collectibles 7755 New Falls Rd Levittown, Pennsylvania the following day from noon to 1:30 p.m.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:
Brock Lesnar’s Next UFC Fight: “Brock Lesnar returns to fight on December 30 in Las Vegas and I hope that it’s not too early for Lesnar. Feels early to me considering Brock has been recovering from major surgery. I hope that I’m wrong on this one but Lesnar’s situation feels vulnerable. Nonetheless I’ll be pulling for the former WWE Champion be to Alistar Overeem and I’m considering attending the event based on Monday Night Raw and the OU Bowl schedule.”
Future WrestleMania Locations: “Wrestlemania site selection seems to be trending to dome stadiums or, like 2012, to warm weather, outdoor stadiums IE Miami. When fans who have big stadiums in their area ask about ‘Mania sites, think about the time of the year and the weather. Cold weather sites aren’t good for night time, outdoor wrestling events last I checked.”
His Performance On RAW: “Enjoyed the way that WWE provided several talents TV time Monday night in Columbus, Ohio on Raw. Nice stragegy. As June Cleaver once told husband Ward when referring to their youngest son, “Gee, Ward you were a little rough on the Beaver last night,” as I’ve been hammered by various entities for my perceived, poor performance at the announce desk Raw Monday night. Nothing I can do about my failings but to do better next time out. As my late Dad used to say, “No hill for a stepper.””
In the same manner WWE would announce a standard talent release, the organization announced Wednesday the release of Kevin Nash as of Monday, Sept. 5.
Their statement reads: “WWE has come to terms on the release of WWE Superstar Kevin Nash as of Monday, Sept. 5, 2011. We wish Kevin the best in all future endeavors.”
There is no mention of WWE Chief Operating Officer Triple H “firing” Nash on Monday’s Raw Supershow.
The first review is in for the new WWE Studios project Inside Out starring Triple H – and it’s bowling-shoe ugly. The Orlando Sentinel’s review takes aim at both WWE Studios (for trying to manufacture the next Dwyane Johnson-level breakout star) and Triple H (who they say will never be more than a tough-guy supporting character).
At one point in the movie, Triple H’s character is asked about his time in prison, to which he responds, “You just sit there — and it passes” – and the Sentinel’s Roger Moore says Inside Out is very similar to that experience.
Here are some “highlights” from The Orlando Sentinel’s review:
“World Wrestling Entertainment’s brief flirtation with family friendly films has ended. But the residue of this effort sticks to “Inside Out,” a half-hearted return to the violent men of the ring doing violent things on the screen model that predated the PG years.
And they refuse to abandon their efforts to turn one of their stars into the next Rock or Hulk Hogan, a crossover phenomenon about to carry movies and TV shows, and not just other wrestlers and folding chairs.
Paul “Triple H” Levesque has the look, the demeanor and the skills to be a useful heavy in other people’s action films. He’s so muscle-bound, his arms can’t quite drop to his side. His face is more scary than handsome. Yet “Inside Out” is yet another attempt to make him a leading man.”
And the single resonant line about prison comes too late to give the movie the tone they might have been going for. Asked, fearfully, about jail time, A.J. (Triple H’s character) intones, “You just sit there — and it passes.”
That’s a pretty fair description of “Inside Out,” too. (Bruce) Dern could have played this mobster whose cover job is running an animal hospital a seriously strange or seriously silly spin. But he has nothing to play. Parker Posey does her best to hide that this is just a WWE paycheck part.”
And Levesque does nothing to suggest that if the WWE weren’t backing him that he’d ever be anything on screen other than the guy who beats the heck out Jason Statham or whoever in someone else’s action picture.”
Ouch. To read the full review, head over to the Orlando Sentinel website.
Rolling Stone magazine website picked up on singer Phil Collins being backstage at the SmackDown live event in Geneva, Switzerland last week. They also posted this photo of Collins with World Heavyweight Champions Randy Orton:
Kevin Nash, Jimmy Hart and former WWE star Kurrgan are appearing in a new horror movie called “Monster Brawl!” Here is the official synopsis and movie trailer:
“Set in the tradition of a Pay-Per-View main event, comes a grotesque and hilarious fight to the death featuring a cast of eight classic combatants in all. Along with their colorful managers, these Monsters compete in visceral bloody combat in the ring to determine the most powerful monster of all time.”
A pre-sale event for the Survivor Series takes place tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. ET. The password for the pre-sale is “CENAROCK” at TheGarden.com.
Advertising for the show reads: “The People’s Champion-The Rock returns to action for the first time in 8 years to join John Cena and all your favorite WWE Superstars at “Survivor Series.”
Despite the vague wording in the advertisement, The Rock is not scheduled to wrestle on the show.
WWE COO Triple H will be working with the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s new “Make a Muscle, Make a Difference” campaign .. Here’s the press release:
‘Make a Muscle, Make a Difference’ Campaign on Display in Rockefeller Center Plaza EHE International donates the window to MDA for the month of September
NEW YORK, Sep 06, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s “Make a Muscle, Make a Difference” campaign will be featured in a 115-square-foot display window in September in Rockefeller Plaza to promote awareness in the fight against neuromuscular diseases.
“Our thanks to EHE International for recognizing the importance of MDA’s mission by displaying our message to the many New York City visitors and residents,” MDA Manhattan Director of Business Development Kaylan Scagliola said. “Having a presence in such a prominent area is especially meaningful in spreading the Association’s message of help and hope.”
The window at 10 Rockefeller Plaza, donated by EHE International, will exhibit the Association’s public service advertisements that showcase life-size standing displays of MDA Muscle Team members, including Natalie Morales of NBC’s “Today” show, “Glee” star Max Adler, former NFL Super Bowl-winning quarterback Kurt Warner, WWE Superstar Triple H and several MDA Goodwill Ambassadors.
“EHE International is excited to have MDA in the window this September,” said Deborah McKeever, president of EHE International. “Together we can educate and increase public awareness of neuromuscular diseases and inform the public of its signs and symptoms.”
The 46th annual MDA Telethon was televised live on WWOR-TV My9 from Metropolis Studio in New York, on Sunday, Sept. 4.
The Rock recently announced that he’ll be appearing at several upcoming WWE pay-per-views, including November’s Survivor Series show from New York City.
Advertisements in the New York City area for tickets to the Survivor Series at Madison Square Garden feature The Rock and say he is “returning to action” for the first time in 8 years alongside John Cena.
The Rock last competed in March 2004 at Wrestlemania XX, where he and Mick Foley lost a Handicap Match to Randy Orton, Batista and Ric Flair.
At this time, its unknown whether The Rock will actually be wrestling, or if “returning to action” is a vague phrase being used to simply mean The Rock will be there in person.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has answered several fan questions on his Twitter account, @JRsBBQ. Here are some highlights of what JR wrote on Tuesday morning about:
SmackDown Moving To Tuesdays:
“Will WWE move Smackdown to tuesdays live on Sy Fy? Heard nothing official but personally I like the idea. Live TV hard to beat. So, TBD.”
WWE’s New Cable Channel:
“WWE Network moving forward briskly. Not sure of details but tv biz buzzing & interested. ‘Assume’ nothing other than it’s gonna be a hit.”
What He Thinks Of TNA Wrestling:
“Have many friends there & wish them no Ill will & only success.”
Rumored WrestleMania 28 Matches:
“Amazing how many folks think I actually known the WM28 card here in September. I’d guess NO ONE KNOWS the card. NO ONE.”
Sting vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania?
“For the love of all that’s Holy, there will be NO Undertaker vs Sting match @ WM28. Come on, man…or woman! Let it go.”
What He Thinks About Zack Ryder’s Potential:
“Working diligently to become a player & I hope that he makes it.”
Monday’s RAW SuperShow saw Zack Ryder team with Jerry “The King” Lawler in a tag match agains former tag team champions Dtavid Otunga & Michael Mcgillicutty. Ryder got plenty of ring time and scored the win for his team, which got a tremendous pop from the live crowd.
Ryder was featured on camera several times on RAW (including with John Cena), got a new video package and was filming footage for this week’s edition of his Z! True Long Island Story video series.
Zack Ryder wrote the following to his Twitter followers last night –
“29 weeks of hard work has finally been recognized…now it’s time for me to make it pay off. THANKS BROSKIS! WWWYKI #RyderRevolution”
Dolph Ziggler congratulated Ryder for his tag team win with Jerry Lawler last night and called it a “re-debut” for the self-proclaimed WWE Internet Champion.
DISCUSSION: What do you think about Zack Ryder’s push? Does he deserve the television time – and will the fans continue to get behind Mr. Long Island Iced Z?
— Following the Eight-Man Elimination Tag Team Match on the Raw Supershow, John Cena chased Alberto Del Rio away to close the broadcast. CM Punk came down the aisle and harassed Ricardo Rodriguez, pressing him back to the ring before tossing him in. Punk and Cena stood on each side and Cena started a thumbs-up, thumbs-down game with the crowd. Rodriguez, however, escaped from the ring.
There was a long moment as Cena and Punk stared at each other and glanced to the crowd for direction. Cena offered Punk his hand, and as the fans encouraged them to embrace, they clasped hands and raised their arms together. Cena pointed at Punk and smiled to the crowd.
– In the opening segment of Monday’s Raw Supershow, WWE Chief Operating Officer Triple H fired Kevin Nash after Nash revealed that he had snuck into his office and sent a text to himself from Triple H’s phone, instigating his attack on CM Punk at SummerSlam. Nash was then shown leaving the venue with John Laurinaitis.
In accordance with the storyline, Nash’s profile has been removed from WWE.com’s Raw Superstars section. He is once again listed as a WWE Alumnus.
– WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes is advertised to appear at Florida Championship Wrestling’s Oct. 15 live event at the Suwanee County Coliseum 1302 SW 11th St. Live Oaks, FL. Belltime is 7:30 p.m. Visit FCWWrestling.com for more information.
The Miami Herald newspaper has published part 2 of their interview with former WWE Superstar Edge. The Rated R superstar says he got closure on his WWE career by making a surprise appearance – but of course, was asked if he could ever wrestle just “one more match” like everybody is hoping we’ll get out of Stone Cold Steve Austin.
“I don’t really want to think about it, and also the WWE doctors told me they’ll never give me clearance to do it. It’s not going to change. My spine is shrinking. So it’s not like four years down the road it’s gonna suddenly open back up, and in order for it to open back up, I’d need to get surgery which would weaken my neck even more, which definitely stops me from ever doing it again.
What doctors told me is they won’t clear me. Now, I think [Austin] has the same thing as me. So coming back he has to pass all that stuff, and if you can’t pass it, they won’t clear you. It’s not a matter of, ‘Ah, well maybe one more.’ Well, maybe one more, if they clear you. Great, but they told me I’d never be cleared. So that makes everything easier for me. It immediately got rid of, ‘I can come back for one more.’ It’s like maybe I could, but they told me they won’t let me. So they took that all out of my hands. It’s funny because people have said, “Oh, OK, so you’re going to comeback for one more.’ It’s like you’re missing the point here. I didn’t retire because I wanted to. I retired because they told me I had to. There’s a big difference there.
Edge made it very clear in his retirement speech on WWE television (as well as in recent interviews) that doctors told hi he can never wretle again – but he says fans still come up to him on a regular basis and ask him if he’ll wrestle again. Edge said:
“Even the weekend with ‘SummerSlam,’ I did an autograph session, and fans were asking, ‘When you coming back for one more.’ You don’t understand. They told me I can’t. People will give you flack, and it’s like, ‘No, I’m not walking away from this to become an actor. I was told that they will not let me do this. ‘You’re done.’ No choice in the matter. ‘Sorry.’
So I don’t have any second guessing or that maybe in two years I can come back and do that one last match or anything like that. Yea, I’m done, and that’s all there is to it, and you have to accept it.”
There’s much more to this interview, which you can read in its entirety over at the official website of The Miami Herald.
Joey Styles took to Twitter to comment on the incessant bickering by Michael Cole and Jim Ross on the Raw Supershow, writing: “Can we have @MichaelCole vs. @JRsBBQ with the loser leaving Raw? Their bickering has me turning down the volume and reading the live chat.”
Ross said from this point forward, he will no longer bicker with Cole during WWE television broadcasts.
“@JoeyStyles my on air bickering days w/ Cole ended Mon Nite. I’m tapping w/ my end of unnecessary psycho babble. I’ll focus on the talent,” Ross wrote.
Ross also provided a definitive answer to fan questions regarding the possibility of The Undertaker facing Sting at WrestleMania XXVIII.
“For the love of all that’s holy, there will be NO Undertaker vs. Sting match at WrestleMania 28,” Ross wrote. “Come on, man…or woman! Let it go.”
A fan said “that’s the match everyone wants to see.” Ross responded, “Not everyone. Sting’s 52 years old and is contracted to another company.”
— Mason Ryan returned to television at tonight’s WWE Superstars taping in Columbus, Ohio as he competed in a match against JTG. The Welsh grappler resumed competing at live events two weeks ago after being sidelined since late June due to an undisclosed injury.
The taping also saw the return of Tyler Reks and Percy Watson to television. Reks, teaming with Curt Hawkins, squared off against Percy Watson and NXT contestant Titus O’Neil. Reks and Hawkins would later appear on Raw Supershow during a backstage segment with Alberto Del Rio.
— Drew McIntyre beat Primo via Future Shock in a dark match.
— ESPN.com published an article on Mick Foley’s recent stand-up comedy appearance at The Brokerage Comedy Club in Bellmore, New York. ESPN mentioned some of his comedy bits and noted “He started the comedy journey 2 1/2 years ago, but took a long layoff while working for TNA Wrestling. Now a free agent, he’s focused on finding the same confidence in comedy that made him a squared-circle icon.”
WWE began airing advertisements for their upcoming WWE TV Network Monday’s RAW SuperShow on the USA Network.
The company announced the channel as “Coming in 2012” and promoted it as “The Network.”
The advertisement featured vintage WWE footage and highlighted a wide range of WWE-related programming, including decades of classic pay-per-view events.
Recap Promo from last weeks WWE Raw Supershow Featuring Kevin Nash, WWE COO HHH and CM Punk.
Live to the ring (No Pyro) Out comes CM Punk!
Out comes CM Punk. CM Punk states he has the ability to back things up in the ring. He “pisses a lot of people off” Last week he pissed off R Truth, and has a match with him tonight, which normally would be okay, but he wants Kevin Nash. Kevin Nash is very “1996” he believes COO HHH and him are still “Best Buddies”. CM Punk Calls Kevin Nash out!
Out comes Kevin Nash.
Kevin Nash comes out, says he doesn’t have to listen to CM Punk, he does whatever he wants! CM Punk says “He has more excuses than nicknames” CM Punk then proceeds to call him “Big Daddy Cool Diesel, Vinnie Vegas, Bearded Giffaffe, Oz, Super Shredder”
CM Punk calls him irrelevant, saying that Nash won his first Championship when Justin Bieber was born, Arsenio hall had a tv show, and CM Punk didn’t even have his drives License. Kevin Nash comes towards the ring, Out Comes Triple H!
Triple H has discovered security footage from the Staple’s Center in Los Angeles, Kevin Nash took Triple H’s phone and used it to text himself the orders to take out CM Punk. Triple H says that CM Punk has done a lot of things, but he’s never lied to him. Triple H then says if he would get rid of anyone it might as well be Kevin Nash! Kevin Nash gets in Triple H’s face and says “What are you going to Do about it?”
Commercial
Back from break, and we see Kevin Nash leaving into a limo, with John Laurinaitis getting in with him.
Match #1 (Non Title Match)
Air Boom vs Jinder Mahal & The Great Khali
Match begins with Evan and Jinder, back and forth for a bit, then the hot tag to Kofi Kingston, Jinder throws Kofi to the ropes, The Great Khali pulls the rope down and attacks. Jinder holds Kofi but he ducks out of the way and The Great Khali chops his Brother In Law! Hot tag to Evan Borne. Shooting Star Press 1 2 3!
Winners: WWE Tag Team Champions: Air Boom!
Backstage we see the WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio heading towards the arena.
Later tonight CM Punk vs R Truth
Out now WWE Diva’s Champion Kelly Kelly headed to commentary.
Back from Break
Match #2 (Number One Contenders Match)
Beth Phoenix vs Eve Torres
Also out for commentary Natalya. Both divas are arguing with each other, Michael Cole is fanning the flame. Beth and Eve go back and forth. Finally Phoenix hits her finisher for the win.
Winner: #1 Divas Championship Contender: Beth Phoenix
Aftermath: Kelly Kelly helps Eve and gets attacked by Natalya, leaving both faces down on the ringside floor.
Back From Break
Congratulations to The Rock 1,000,000 Followers on Twitter.
Backstage: Drew Mcintyre talking with Christian, in comes WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio. He tells Christian it’s John Cena’s Fault he’s not World Heavyweight Champion. (Because of last weeks match) Christian says if he takes out John Cena it will be on “His Terms” not because he’s helping Alberto Del Rio. Alberto reminds that if it wasn’t for the John Cena match he could have won the next night on Super Smackdown.
Triple H’s Inside out Promo
Backstage: R Truth getting ready for CM Punk, The Miz is walking alongside him.
Match #3
R Truth VS CM Punk
R Truth Comes Out With A Mic
R Truth asks how is what he does different? He’s been speaking the “Real Truth” his entire life. He guesses he needs to buy a ticket to Night of Champions and stuff his face like the “Rest of you little Jimmies”
Out comes The Miz
Funny play on words with R Truth. Miz says Triple H is in “Way Over his head” he isn’t focusing on the Top Talents of Raw Show. He makes a match between him and R Truth and Air Boom at Night of Champions.
Out Comes CM Punk
Tie-up CM Punk with kicks and a quick take down and 1 count cover. CM Punk with a boot an arm bar moving to a quick headlock. In the corner R Truth gets a couple of shots. CM Punk gets the upper hand with a missile dropkick. CM Punk with a dive from the ropes into R Truth on the floor.
R Truth with a headlock on CM Punk, throws him out to the floor. The Miz attacks CM Punk on the floor. CM Punk back in the ring, R Truth with several boots to CM Punk. CM Punk regroups and gets a few kicks into R Truth. R Truth with a body slam.
CM Punk gets back the upper hand with a huge superplex from the top rope!
In to the ropes CM Punk’s legs gets pulled by The Miz. The Miz attempts to charge the ring, The Ref Kicked out CM Punk. From behind comes R Truth. CM Punk reverses it and hits the GTS for the win.
Winner: CM Punk
Out Comes Triple H, CM Punk already has a microphone and says he still doesn’t buy that him and Kevin Nash aren’t still In on it. Triple H says “You want change Obama?” He announces their match is now a No DQ.
CM Punk says he’ll accept the new stipulation if he accpets his stipualation that “If CM Punk wins HHH will resign as COO of WWE” Triple H Accepts.
Backstage
Wade Barrett, & Curt Hawkins & Tyler Reks are talking. In comes Alberto Del Reo, trying to get him to go after Cena after what Cena did on Smackdown. Wade says “You’ll see what I’m going to do”
Match #4
Jerry Lawler and Zach Ryder Vs David Otunga & Michael Mcgillicutty
Jerry Lawler introduces his tag team partner with a long 3 minute promo highlighting the Long Island Iced Z’s show. Zack and David start things off, quick moves and a tag to Otunga. Tag to Jerry Lawler. Zack gets Mcgillicutty to the outside floor by holding the ropes. Zach with a Rough Ryder for a pin over David Otunga!
Winners: Jerry Lawler and Zach Ryder
Backstage: Alberto Del Rio is taking to Dolph Ziggler reminding him that John Cena makes fun of Vickie Guerrero all the time, and that “Maybe she isn’t looking at Jack Swagger to manage, but someone who will fight for her”
World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton: On his way to the ring!
Match #5 (Non Title)
Randy Orton vs Heath Slater
Quick hits and knock downs by Randy Orton to kick things off. Orton with a big knee, in the corner, Heath with an eye gouge and a kick to the head to get the upper hand. Heath Slater with A “Double A Spine Buster” on to Randy Orton. Crowd Chanting “RKO! RKO!” Randy Orton gains the upper hand, with a DDT. Randy Orton with a text book RKO for the win!
Winner: World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton
Backstage: Zack Ryder is telling Cena how he won his match. John Cena congratulates him and heads towards the ring.
Out is John Cena saying that he feels that Alberto Del Rio’s announcer will come out any second as will Alberto del Rio in a “Luxury Rental Car” Out comes Alberto, He warns Cena that he may suffer the same fate as Rey Misterio, he didn’t show up last week so he could protect Cena. Alberto then says he can’t say the same about these guys….
Out comes Jack Swagger, Dolph Ziggler, Christian, and Wade Barett attacking Cena. Alex Riliey, John Morrison, & Sheamus make the save.
Smackdown GM Teddy Long comes out and announces the 8 man tag team elimination match, “right now!”
Match #6
Jack Swagger, Dolph Ziggler, Christian, and Wade Barett
vs
John Cena. Alex Riliey, John Morrison, & Sheamus
Alex Riley and Wade Barrett kick things off. Wade with hard shots to Riley. Hot tag to John Morrison. Morrison cleans house of all the heels. Dolph Ziggler gets the sleeper on John Morrison, Jack Swagger tags himself in and makes John Morrison tap out with the ankle lock.
John Morrison eliminated by Jack Swagger
Dolph Zigler taking it to Alex Riley, Jack Swagger again tagging himself in, Jack Swagger geting in a few hard shots to Alex Riley. Alex Riley taps out to the ankle lock.
Alex Riley eliminated by Jack Swagger
Sheamus in with Wade Barrett – big boots and knees from Wade Barett, Sheamus gets the upper hand with a top rope shoulder press into Wade Barrett. Sheamus with a huge kick to elimiate Wade barett
Wade Barett eliminated by Sheamus
In comes Christina, with a few blows in before an attempted kill switch. Christian gets a big insulting slap in, Christian and Sheamus brawl to the back and get both eliminated
Sheamus & Christan eliminated due to Double Count Out
Jack Swagger and Dolph Zigler both acting like a team on John Cena. Cena gets the upper hand with a double 5 knuckle shuffle. Cena attempts for the AA on Swagger gets caught by Swagger into a clothesline. Dolph begs to be tagged in, and quickly gets an Attitude Adjustment from John Cena.
Dolph Ziggler Eliminated by John Cena
Jack Swagger immediately gets the Ankle Lock on John Cena. Cena counters into the STF. Jack Swagger taps out!
Winner: John Cena
Aftermath: Alberto Del Rio comes in and attacks John Cena. Cena hits the AA and Alberto Falls out of the ring into the arms of his personal ring announcer.
— The latest issue of WWE Magazine says they have obtained a short list of candidates for induction into next year’s Hall of Fame class and it features past Superstars estranged from WWE.
The Informer wrote in his monthly column: “A trusted source managed to sneak me the short list for the 2012 WWE Hall of Fame, and I can tell you that a lot of old wounds are about to be reopened!”
— WWE has released seven-inch refillable lighters featuring six legendary Superstars: “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Sgt. Slaughter, British Bulldog and Jake “The Snake” Roberts. The lighters, which also include a bottle opener, are available at select convenience stores.
— WWE.com has added Buff Bagwell to its list of WCW Competitors. His picture, however, links a New World Order photo gallery.
Former WWE superstar John Bradshaw Layfield has updated his Facebook Discussions blog (link) with some commentary on whether he will ever return to WWE, the chances of him ever appearing for TNA and more.
Here’s what JBL wrote about his future in the wrestling business:
“Will I return to WWE? I doubt it, but you never know. I am not looking for a job and they are not asking me to return so it has not come up. I had to retire due to injuries, and yes, the 23 second match with Rey at Wrestlemania was my idea-at that point in my career due to injuries I could not have had any type of real match.
I was so hurt at that point that I literally couldn’t walk anywhere of distance and didn’t have the ability to work out. I hated being out of shape and realized I was tired of smoke and mirrors to hide my inadequacies-I didn’t want to be one of those old guys who had held on too long and I was in danger of becoming exactly that.”
“Would there be any scenario I would return? Yes. I enjoy commentary and love performing-I am a lifelong wrestling fan who loved the art of the business. I hate travel and as you can see, for me; my life is just what I want right now. But, if the right spot opened up than WWE is my family and I would think strongly about returning. The one return I did in Dallas with Stone Cold and Michael Cole made me remember how much I loved the business.
So, we’ll see-odds are no return, but you never know.
Will I go to TNA? One of my best friends Bruce Prichard is there running talent relations and I have always gotten along great with Eric Bischoff as well as Dixie Carter-all I consider friends. I also have some wonderful friends working there as talent. It would be an enjoyable experience working there and their schedule is very appealing.
However, at the end of the day, I am a WWE guy-and would have a hard time working anywhere else. I had an offer to do radio somewhere other than TRN-who I worked for several years and I turned it down out of loyalty. I do my Internet show but that is with TRN’s blessing. Loyalty to me is always above money.
I’m not saying it’s 100 percent no option, but right now I have no desire to go anywhere other than WWE-even though I am not under contract and may never work there again. Odds are I will do something in the future, but maybe a one off-who knows. Wrestling though is pretty much off the table.”
For the past several years when WWE comes to the WesBanco Arena in Wheeling, WV, John Cena sings the John Denver song “Take Me Home, Country Roads” in font of the live crowd.
Cena continued the tradition on Sunday’s live event from Wheeling, WV – and was joined on the microphone by CM Punk.
Watch CM Punk and John Cena team up to sing John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads”:
An article on the WWE website about Beth Phoenix and Natalya Neidhart being the “salvation” to a Divas division overrun by models and bimbos has a lot of people upset – most notably the Bella twins. The article, which can be read here in its entirety, mentioned the Bells by name as WWE divas who ‘diva purists’ can’t believe are being featured on television over more talented in ring performers. The Bellas wrote on Twitter that they woke up to the “embarrassing” article and wanted to share their thoughts with the WWE Universe.
Nikki Bella wrote:
“First off…. Um you want me to slap you with all of my awards and championships I have won? I was a #1 athlete… Which other Diva was?
Secondly, Bri & @RealKellyKelly have been the only entertainment that has happened 2 the Diva’s Division & have worked harder than anyone!
Thirdly, I’ve seen 2 girls the past few weeks try as hard as they can to be “models” while us “models” have busted our butts…..
Oh and good luck with the up and coming Divas…. Sure you’ll make a lot of money with them…. Um actually NOT!
Lastly, @RealKellyKelly & Us are better than anyone in the past so Katie Raymond check your self and come read this article to my face! NB”
Brie Bella wrote:
“Wow, I just woke up to the craziness! The words spoken by Katie are laughable, but I’m a women who will stand for what I believe in…so…
I know what I’ve given to the fans and that’s all what matters. WWE might think your a bunch of puppets that are persuaded by their words..
I know how you all feel :) good and bad, I love it! I mean if WWE cared about Divas why do we have such little time on tv?
Why were divas such as Mickey James, Melina and Gail Kim released. Why aren’t wrestlers like Sara Del Ray hired? All amazing!…….
Kelly Kelly and myself have worked to hard to have an unknown, untalented writer say the things she did. Katie (whoever) Suck it! Love Brie“
Former WWE diva Melina responded to the Bellas’ rant –
“You know I love you but everyone needs to seriously calm down and think before tweeting. This is not worth it.“
The Bellas responded to Melina:
“@RealMelina you know that wasn’t towards you girl :) I know you know that”
Melina replied once again with the following:
“Everyone, these are all good girls. All of them. Yes everyone’s experience level varies but I’m damn proud to step into the ring with them.
Wrestling is not easy on so many levels. It’s not only physical grueling but mentally & emotionally. Against ALL odds you have to overcome.
Through the hardest of times you have to pretend ur ok, pick yourself up & think about others because we are role models. Even when we hurt.
2live our life in wrestling is not easy. Even though it looks like it is… If it does that means we r THAT good. but it isn’t. Far from it.
I love wrestling. No matter what promotion… This is art. This is an extension of me. I may not be in the WWE but my heart is still there.”
CM Punk joined in on the discussion – pointing out that all this buzz about the divas division is not a bad thing –
“So wait. The divas are mad about an in house article on wwe.com that is potentially designed to garner them attention/TV time? Awesome.”
Eve then sounded off, threatening the writer of the article and standing by her style of booty-popping wrestling:
“@WWE I’d love to step into the ring whomever wrote this, & c who needs saving. #Iwillbootypopinyourfacethenmakeyoutap”
“Don’t ever let anyone undermine your hard work, label your character, or set limits to your potential.#BeliEVE!”
“And trust that that’s not taking anything away from @natbynature or @thebethphoenix. Everyone is equally dedicated to taking the Divas division to the next level!”
Kelly Kelly tweeted:
“#divas were just doing what we love, entertaining every week We’ve all worked very hard to get here just wish all this hate would go away”
DISCUSSION: What do you think? Are the Divas of Doom what the divas division needs to get back to basics and emphasize on competition? Are the Bella Twins and Eve wrong to get bent out of shape over the article? Is this all a work? Hit the comments below and tell us what you think about the situation.
— In the October 2011 issue of WWE Magazine, John Cena was asked if has his sights set on breaking Ric Flair’s record number of world title reigns.
Cena, who has amassed eleven world championships over the course of his career, replied, “Not at all. I think one day at a time. In this business, I don’t think about what I’ve done or long-term plans. If you think about what you’ve done, you become complacent. If you think too far ahead, your vision gets a little cloudy. You truly have to think about it one day at a time.”
— Former WWE Diva Maria Kanellis has teamed up with AfterBuzzTV.com to host a live aftershow on Raw Supershow.
The show will stream live every Monday night immediately following Raw on the USA Network at ustream.tv/afterbuzztv. The first episode will stream live on Oct. 3.
— Jerry Lawler is advertised to tag team with Dory Funk Jr. and Colby Weston at the Sept. 10 !BANG! TV taping in Ocala, Florida. Lawler will also referee a match between Hollywood Heather and Claudia Reiff.
