WrestleMania is heading to Miami.
World Wrestling Entertainment will officially announce today that Wrestlemania 28 will be held at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami, Florida, reports the Miami Herald.
Miami and Toronto had been the frontrunners in recent weeks, according to company sources.
Sun Life Stadium, home to the Miami Dolphins, can seat over 75,000 for the event.
— Dolph Ziggler’s NXT Rookie, Byron Saxton, was eliminated from the competition Tuesday night.
The remaining Rookies are Brodus Clay, Derrick Bateman and Johnny Curtis.
WWE has not announced the length of the season and there was no announcement made regarding the date for the next elimination.
— Matches taped Tuesday night at the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America are as follows:
* Curt Hawkins vs. Tyler Reks
* Jack Swagger vs. Trent Barreta
— Percy Watson beat Chavo Guerrero in a dark match prior to Tuesday night’s television tapings.
source: PWInsider.com
— The January 31 episode of Monday Night Raw scored a 3.3 cable rating, down from the 3.5 the program posted the week before.
Raw averaged 4.93 million viewers over the course of two hours. The first hour averaged 4.89 million viewers while the second hour drew 4.97 million.
— WWE United States Champion Daniel Bryan commented on tagging with Jerry “The King” Lawler last night on Raw, writing on Twitter: “Did I just team with Jerry Lawler on Monday Night Raw or was that a dream? My life is surreal.”
— Big Show celebrates his 39th birthday today. Also celebrating a birthday is Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, who turns 56 years old. Today would have also marked as WWE Hall of Famer Sherri Martel’s 53rd birthday.
source: PWInsider.com
TMZ.com reports that WWE management was so excited to see that Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers wore a replica World Heavyweight title belt after the game that they’ve invited the entire team to sit ringside at tonight’s SmackDown tapings from Green Bay.
The Green Bay packers that will be appearing include Donald Driver, Graham Harrell, Donald Lee, Brandon Jackson, Scott Wells, Chris Campbell, Tom Crabtree and Curtis Young. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is not expected to be on hand.
The team is said to be very excited about attending tonight’s show. TMZ reports that the players and their families will be set up with a special meet and greet with the superstars … Plus, each player gets an authentic replica championship belt.
— Former WWE Women’s Champion Chyna stated last week to TMZ.com that she is taking night classes at UCLA and studying to teach English as a second language to children in Japan. She also indicated that she wants to move on from TV.
Chyna clarified on Twitter that she’s “not retiring.” She added, “Working w/ Model House Talents agency. Learning Japanese to teach on the side. All my love. Health, happiness and love.”
— Babyface SmackDown Diva Kaitlyn partnered with Layla against Beth Phoenix and Natalya at SmackDown live events on Saturday and Sunday. Her action, however, was limited in both contests.
Kaitlyn has sparingly appeared on SmackDown since winning NXT season three.
— The Ticketmaster.com pre-sale code for the March 25 Raw live event at Assembly Hall in Champaign, Illinois is sdleil. Tickets officially go on sale this Saturday at 1 p.m.
source: PWInsider.com
— WWE creative has discussed breaking Jimmy and Jey Uso up.
— Layla appeared to have injured her ankle during the main event of last week’s SmackDown taping as a referee and WWE crew member rushed to check on her while the referee signaled the “X”. Michelle McCool assisted Layla to the back following the bout.
The SmackDown Diva went on Twitter and thanked fans for their concern, but stated that she is fine.
— Former WWE manager Paul Bearer has been announced to appear at WrestleMania Axxess in Atlanta, Georgia. He will also be the Grand Marshall for a Mardi Gras parade in Mobile, Alabama on February 19.
source: PWInsider.com
During one of the commercial breaks on Monday’s episode of WWE RAW, John Cena returned to his hip hop roots and took on Nexus leader CM Punk in a battle rap …
Check it out below – who do you think has the better skills on the mic?
– As we saw on RAW, Nexus leader CM Punk suffered a bloody nose during the segment where Nexus was beating down Randy Orton. Orton broke away from Nexus, lunged at Punk and inadvertently headbutted him in the face, injuring his nose and drawing blood. A few hours after RAW, Punk posted on Twitter regarding the injury:
“Just sneezed and now my pillow case is red. Lovely.”
– WWE congratulated John Cena on Twitter yesterday for becoming the first Superstar to reach 300,000 followers on Twitter.
– R-Truth apologized to the fans of Milwaukee, Wisconsin for mistakenly referring to the city as Green Bay on RAW. Truth wrote @RonKillings:
“I want to apologize to Milwaukee Wisconsin for MY screw up..no excuses,the truth is not perfect,again Milwaukee Im sorry.”
– Jim Ross speculated this week that Triple H will be the one to induct Shawn Michaels into the WWE Hall of Fame this year.
In related news, the next member of this year’s class is expected to be announced on next week’s RAW from Anaheim, California.
Thanks to Martin H. and PWInsider.com for the following recap of Kevin Nash on Monday Night Mayhem yesterday:
– Nash’s thoughts going forward with WWE: Nash said things were better than expected in terms of the response in Boston. Things went well and got in the ring with Cena and that was a blotch because Cena was supposed to be eliminated before he got in. He said it was a great experience.
– Reports of Nash signing a legends contract with WWE. His current status with WWE? Nash said the hosts’ guesses are as good as his. As far as whether he’d be wrestling, stuff with THQ video games, Nash just goes day-by-day.
– Nash says everything in the news gets spun. Responses to Dixie Carter’s reply to fans on tnawrestling.com saying Nash was under contract but was released for reasons she cannot disclose.
– Was Nash under contract for the past couple of weeks? Nash said he was! How close was he to going to TNA? Nash said basically up until he saw Kurt being attacked by Jeff Jarrett. Fortune beat Kurt, Abyss came down with a 2×4 nailed to his spinal cord. Abyss said that would be attempted murder and Abyss would be paralyzed from neck down. He mentioned Crimson said They are coming, Flair screamed back, Kurt cleared the ring.
– Nash said what reason was he coming in for? Kurt can beat them on his own so he didn’t see a reason for him coming in for. He said it was the end of his career. Nash said him coming in the following week, 800 people on Monday. Nash said if it was the last thing he could do, would he do that or go to Boston at the Rumble.
– Hosts mention that Nash was trending on Twitter even though he was in the ring for 2-3 minutes. Whether they would see a KLIQ reunion at WrestleMania weekend, Nash said he talked to Waltman. Nash said he’d be there.
– Nash’s opinion of Wade Barrett? He says what are the odds of Nash bashing Barrett on Twitter and getting eliminated at the rumble.
– AJ Styles and Robert Roode. Nash says Roode is a babyface, but plays a good heel. Nash says AJ is a great talent. Nash said it was the right move for him to finish where he started.
– Nash says Shawn Michaels was largely responsible for him getting into the WWE to begin with. He wished to have one last match with HBK, but he doubts that will happen. He says “Paul” (Triple H) is in the corporate side. He said WWE is moving with the youth movement and that nothing appears to be changing with that.
– A question is asked about Sting and whether Nash talks to him. Nash says he would selfishly love to see Sting in WWE. That would be a great headline match. Nash says Sting has done so much and he would like for him to work for WWE just to see how different it is to be there, to work for the machine. Nash said it’s the third time he’s with WWE. He says being in a WWE arena is like a Happy Madison movie because of the way Sandler would take care of you during the movies.
– He put over the big wrestlers when asked about which were his favorites: Sheamus, Jack Swagger, and a few others and elaborated on it.
WWE has released a new trailer for the upcoming release of the new WWE All Stars game .. The trailer features a teaser for WrestleMania 25 match we never got to see – Hulk Hogan vs. John Cena. Check it out:
Former WWE champion Triple H has yet to return to television after taking several months off due to a biceps injury, but he continues to be advertised for upcoming live WWE events – indicating his return is imminent.
It was reported last week that Triple H is being advertised to appear at the final WWE RAW prior to WrestleMania. Now we’ve got word that he is also being advertised for two other live events at the end of march.
Triple H & John Cena will wrestle The Nexus in a handicap match at the WWE RAW live event from Newark, NJ on March 20th from the Prudential Center.
Triple H is also being advertised for the WWE Raw taping in Pittsburgh, PA on March 21st in a dark match main event with John Cena and Randy Orton, facing The Miz, CM Punk and Sheamus in a six-man tag team match.
Additionally, The Game is featured on the cover of the latest issue of WWE Magazine, which you can see here.
— John Cena and Randy Orton defeated CM Punk and The Miz in a tag team contest following Monday’s Raw broadcast.
— CM Punk broke his nose during the opening segment of Raw.
— Goldust (a/k/a Dustin Rhodes) was backstage at Raw.
— Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Nunzio refereed a dark match between Zack Ryder and Percy Watson.
— Before David Otunga could hit the ring to face King Sheamus, Mark Henry’s music hit as “The World’s Strongest Man” stormed the ring. Otunga’s scheduled bout with Otunga was ruled a No Contest. Otunga was not injured as creative plans called for him to not actually wrestle.
— A number of people backstage were cracking up at R-Truth saying the wrong city by his mistake prior to his match with Mason Ryan.
— John Cena and CM Punk had a “battle rap” during one of the show’s commercial breaks.
source: PWInsider.com
WWE aired a second vignette tonight on Raw promoting “2 21 11”.
An empty cabin was shown with flashing lights, with the door then swung open. A mysterious individual donning a black trenchcoat and boots walked into the cabin, only to quickly disappear. “2 21 11” was displayed while the Johnny Cash song “Ain’t No Grave” played.
The song was used last year to promote The Undertaker’s match with Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXVI.
The official website of the Save Mart Center, venue for the February 21 Raw, is advertising “The Return of The Undertaker” for the event.
— Vince McMahon opened tonight’s Raw to announce that on next week’s show, the host of WrestleMania XXVII will be revealed.
McMahon’s announcement wasn’t written into the script for tonight’s Raw. It was merely labeled as a McMahon segment.
— Michael Cole noted over commentary tonight on Raw that Natalya will receive a shot at Eve’s Divas Championship on next week’s show.
The third-generation wrestler lost the title in a Fatal 4-Way Match at the Royal Rumble without being pinned.
source: PWInsider.com
— Matches taped tonight at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America are as follows:
* Alicia Fox vs. Natalya
* Jimmy and Jey Uso vs. The Great Khali in a 2-on-1 Handicap Match
— Percy Watson beat Zack Ryder in a dark match to tonight’s Raw taping. Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Nunzio was the referee.
— In celebration of Black History Month, SmackDown Superstar Ezekiel Jackson talks about the respect he has for one of the trailblazers of professional wrestling, Ron Simmons. The first African-American World Heavyweight Champion also weighs in on his accomplishments. (Video)
source: PWInsider.com
— The February 4 episode of WWE SmackDown scored a 1.94 cable rating, slightly down from the previous week’s 1.96 number. The show garnered 3,218,000 viewers over the course of two hours, which was up from approximately 3 million viewers.
— After defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers last night at Super Bowl XLV, Green Bay Packers quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers simultaneously held the Lombardi Trophy and WWE World Heavyweight Championship during his victory celebration. A person claiming to have given Rodgers the WWE belt is a host for SportsTownChicago.com. He discussed the situation today in an interview, which can be accessed here.
— Bruno Sammartino and WWE Hall of Famer “Cowboy” Bob Orton have been confirmed for WrestleReunion’s event at the Downtown Marriott in Atlanta, Georgia on April 3, 2011.
source: prowrestling.net
— Dolph Ziggler is scheduled for appearances this Thursday and Friday at the Water Street Tavern in Kent, Ohio (located on 132 South Water Street).
— “Stone Cold” Steve Austin shared his thoughts with WWE.com on being tapped as the host of WWE Tough Enough – premiering on USA Network April 4, the night after WrestleMania XXVII.
Austin explained what he’s looking for from the Tough Enough contestants.
“The name of the show is Tough Enough, but along with being “tough enough” to take the bumps, bruises and travel, you’ve got to know how to wrestle, how to talk and how to be charismatic,” he said. “This show will be “tough enough,” as the name implies, and it will be physical. I am looking extremely forward to putting these young men and women through their paces. I will make sure they’re busting their asses in the ring with the trainers, and with me.”
When asked to give his thoughts on a contestant disrespecting him, he replied, “I wouldn’t stand for that B.S. I paid my dues. I know more about WWE than anything else in my life. It’s just not gonna happen.”
He also commented on how becoming a WWE Superstar is different than when he broke into the wrestling business and his initial training in the wrestling industry, among other topics. To read the interview, click here.
— Earlier today, WWE announced on Twitter that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon would be appearing on tonight’s episode of RAW.
WWE’s announcement earlier regarding Vince McMahon appearing on RAW also includes a note about RAW emanating from Milwaukee, Wisconsin just 24 hours after the Green Bay Packers won the Super Bowl, suggesting McMahon will talk about that.
UPDATE: It’s been announced that the WWE CEO will be kicking off tonight’s show.
— With all the media attention that Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers has been getting for wearing a replica World Heavyweight title belt after being awarded the Super Bowl trophy, WWE has invited the Packers quarterback to tomorrow’s SmackDown tapings:
“WWE has invited Aaron Rodgers and the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers to Tuesday’s SmackDown in Green Bay. Stand by for more details.”
– According to WWE’s official Twitter page, Vince McMahon will be appearing on tonight’s episode of WWE RAW. McMahon has been out of action since suffering a beating at the hands of Nexus several months back.
– WWE employee Bret Hart (not the Hall of Fame wrestler), who has worked in the live events department for many years, issued his resignation from the company today.
Many were surprised by his decision to leave and are speculating who else may follow Donna Goldsmith out of the company after WWE reveals its latest financial results on Thursday morning.
WWE stock has taken quite a beating in recent weeks since and more people (talent and office employees) are expected to leave the company in the coming weeks to cut costs.
— WWE returns to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 26, 2011 as a SmackDown taping will be held at the Wells Fargo Center.
— Former WWE talent Maven Huffman hosted the Home Shopping Network’s Super Bowl merchandise show last night following the championship game.
— The 400th issue of Super Luchas magazine in Mexico features a shot of Alberto Del Rio’s reaction to winning the Royal Rumble.
— Paul Bearer appears live tonight on SIRIUS Channel 98 tonight at 11:05 p.m. EST for Right After Wrestling, hosted by Arda Ocal and Jimmy Korderas. The former WWE manager will discuss his future in the wrestling industry.
— Edge’s mother was in attendance at Saturday’s SmackDown live event in Toronto, Ontario. The reigning World Heavyweight Champion announced to the audience that his wrestling career is coming to an end.
Chris Jericho was recently interviewed by Brian Fritz of Fanhouse.com. Here are some highlights of what Jericho said about:
The Future Of The Industry:
“It’s a very star-driven business. It always has been and always will be and there’s always transition phases. They kind of got painted into the corner over the years when Vince took over the territories and had all the best of the best but he didn’t like small guys. So there were a lot of small guys who were doing more high-impact work that had to go to other places. Maybe Stampede (Wrestling) or Japan or Mexico or England or Germany. And there’s a whole generation of guys who did that that ended off with guys in my generation. And then when those guys were all done, then where do you find guys? Then suddenly, instead of guys with nine years experience before they go to the WWE like me, you have guys with two years experience or one year experience or no experience. You can’t teach experience. That’s the difference. So the business has changed.”
“I’m not one of those guys who sits back and goes ‘it was a lot better in my day,’ it’s just the way it is. I think the bell curve of a five-star match even five years ago will change to where a five-star match now or a year from now or five years from now might have only been a three-star match a couple of years ago because the experience level has gone down. The quality will go down. There’s always going to be somebody that’s better than the last. There’s always going to be that next Cena that just connects like Rock or (Steve) Austin connected. Or like Jericho connected. Not that I’m at the level of those two guys, but you know what I mean. There’s always going to be somebody that figures out what to do. And there’s going to be natural athletes.”
How Much Longer Vince McMahon Will Remain In Charge:
“Well, I think what Vince is going to do right now is give up some of the legwork, watching ‘Raw’ from gorilla and all that sort of stuff. But Vince will always have the last word until the day he dies. I guarantee that. He’s not the type of person that’s going to be able to go and sit at home and watch the show without having the final say. He’ll be more influenced by certain people. He’ll give up some of the lighter work I’m sure. Vince McMahon is a genius. He is a bona fide genius and his specialty is the wrestling business. And when the day comes when Vince does not have the final say and doesn’t have any answers as to what is going on, which will be the day he dies, that’s when I think the business is going to be in a little bit of trouble because he’s a visionary. You can copy those visions but you can’t have them on your own and not just anybody can do that. You can’t just appoint someone and say ‘you’re the next guy that’s a genius.’ Vince is one of a kind and that’s why he’s killed every other promotion and that’s why everything he does wrestling-wise turns to gold.”
“I think the key to the WWE’s ebb and flow is Vince, and when Vince is gone it will be very, very interesting to see what happens.”
Will Stephanie & Triple H Change Things When They Take Over?
“I don’t think so. Obviously, they’ve been taught by Vince and been groomed by Vince since they were very young, especially Stephanie but Hunter too. He came there in 1995 or whatever it is. But I think you’ll see when that happens that Shawn Michaels will have more influence, Undertaker, guys like that, even myself. I could work in the WWE until I’m 65 years old if I want to. I have never been asked but I think I could. I think I have the kind of reputation. Guys like Edge as well. But once again, it gets diluted. Vince is the boss. Not Stephanie. Not Triple H. It’s not Undertaker. Not Shawn Michaels. When Vince goes, then let’s talk to Stephanie and then let’s talk with Triple H. Then suddenly you have two bosses. Or maybe John Laurinaitis is involved and it becomes more of a committee thing.”
“Vince is the boss, and when you have one boss that everyone trusts … Sure, he’s crazy. We’re all crazy. There’s days when he comes up with ideas that are horrible. But he’s still Vince and his track record speaks for itself and you have to trust everything that he goes for because most of the time his instincts are right. And everyone knows who to go to when you have a question. Even if he says no to something when you know it will work, if he says no then you’re done. That’s it. So when he leaves, I think the power will be spread out a little more. I think that would be a big difference.”
— During an interview with Diva-Fiva.com, former WWE Diva Tammy “Sunny” Sytch was asked to give her opinion on the numerous talent couple relationships in WWE today.
“I’m not in the best position to judge but maybe it’s a little out of control now,” she said. “But then again, since you’re with these people all the time, it’s quite understandable. Especially since it’s hard dating someone who’s not on the road with you.”
Regarding a return to WWE, she indicated that she’d like to, but on her terms.
“Of course!” she said in response to whether she’d be interested. “I’m not sure that I’d want to go on the road full-time again. Maybe just TV and pay-per-views.”
— Silvervision announced plans to re-release Rebellion 2001 and Insurrextion 2002 in March via the “Tagged Classics” series. The two-pack will exclusively be available in Europe.
WWE® LEGEND BOOKER T JOINS “WWE® TOUGH ENOUGH” AS TRAINER
WWE® Legend and former World Heavyweight Champion Booker T joins USA Network’s upcoming non-scripted series WWE TOUGH ENOUGH as a trainer. Booker T will train and counsel the contestants competing to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva. The appointment of Booker T follows the recent casting announcement of WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin as series host.
The non-scripted series will premiere Monday, April 4 at 11/10c, immediately following USA’s ratings juggernaut WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW®, and move to its regularly scheduled slot in primetime, Mondays at 8/7c, starting on April 11.
Booker T has entertained audiences across the globe and squared off against the biggest luminaries in the WWE Universe including WWE Superstars John Cena, Rey Mysterio and Big Show.
Recognized as one of the most athletic and charismatic figures in WWE history, Booker T will share his extensive knowledge and ring experience with aspiring contestants vying for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Joining a team of celebrity trainers to be announced shortly, Booker T will mentor the diverse group of men and women who will live, train, eat and sleep under one roof in a house in Simi Valley, California. Each week the contestants will battle it out in a series of unique challenges designed to test for such characteristics as showmanship, creativity, athleticism and desire, just to name a few. Viewers will witness the trials and tribulations of what it takes to be one of the best in the world’s greatest sports entertainment organization. The grand prizewinner will be awarded a contract with WWE.
— In another sign that Triple H will be returning to WWE in the near future, the latest issue of WWE Magazine (now on sale) features Triple H on the cover with the headline, “He’s Back!”
As reported over the weekend, Triple H is being advertised for the March 28th episode of WWE RAW from Chicago (the final RAW before WrestleMania). The arena website is reporting that he’ll be teaming with John Cena, Edge and Randy Orton against Wade Barrett, The Miz, Alberto Del Rio and CM Punk in what is likely the dark match main event.
— After Sunday’s NFL Super Bowl game, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was announced as the game’s Most Valuable Player and was presented with a replica WWE world heavyweight title belt. WWE is getting some mentions in the mainstream media today, with Rodgers wearing the WWE title belt on his shoulder as he raised the Super Bowl championship trophy above his head.
WWE.com has posted an article about the Rodgers wearing the title belt, including a link to where fans can purchase their own replica, which runs around $250..
— Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings take place from Green Bay, home of the Super Bowl champion Packers.
(Source: PWInsider.com)
The Wrestling Press recently spoke to Bret Hart in an hour long interview, where the WWE Hall of Famer spoke indepth about his tell-all book Hitman: My Real Life in the Cartoon World of Wrestling, his return to World Wrestling Entertainment last year after a long absence, his relationship with Vince McMahon, winning the United States Championship last May, and much more.
In regards to his return last year, he admits to worrying that WWE wouldn’t give his legacy or fans the justice it deserves.
“I thought maybe when I come back that I would look at it and think I should have left it, why did I do it?” he said in reference to the ‘Montreal Screwjob’. “For example if (Shawn Michaels) had been pompous to me or had blew me off then it would have bothered me a lot and then it could have ended up with round two. But Shawn was really sincere and very grateful for being able to bury the hatchet with me.
“For me that was real and (Vince McMahon) was real too me too, and I think in the end [my return] turned out to be a better idea than we thought it would be.
“I never had much in the ways of regret. WWE didn’t have to hire me if they didn’t like what I wrote about them in the book, but they accepted that I was honest and true.
“I always thought that the only thing stopping me from going back was my pride, and the main reason why I did return was that I needed a goal and to do something different. I like to think I am pretty secure in my life and my savings so that was never a deciding factor. It’s been great rubbing shoulders with the likes of Randy Orton and all of these young guys. I didn’t want to ride off into the sunset as an angry, bitter, damn you all to hell kind of guy, which I thought I was coming across as. In hindsight now that it is done, I have said what I have said and we should all move on. I don’t hate the company. I don’t hate Vince McMahon, I don’t blame him for Owen’s death, none of it. I wanted to take a negative and turn it into a positive and peace is always better than war.”
He also discussed the contrasts between the WWE locker room of his day and today.
“They are completely different, the wrestlers of today,” he said. “I don’t even know if I could hang around with them they are so boring. They are like a bunch from a choir, they play video games and listen to their headphones, drink energy drinks and keep themselves to themselves. There is no beer drinking, no hell raising at all.”
You can read the interactive version (including video) here or download the PDF here.