SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Kevin Nash Signs New WWE Deal, Talks WWE vs. TNA

    Kevin Nash appeared on ESPN Radio’s Pro Wrestling Report last night and revealed some newsworthy details regarding his return to World Wrestling Entertainment.

    Nash noted that WWE flew him out of Daytona Beach, Florida so he could appear at the Royal Rumble. He said if TNA would have flown him out of the state, he would have to have driven from his home to Orlando, 90 miles, opposed to the few miles when traveling with WWE. Nash talked about how nice his accommodations were while staying in Boston.

    Nash said that upon arriving hat he signed paperwork and had a physical upon arriving to the arena. Nash said he spent about a half-hour with Triple H before shooting photos and video with WWE staff. He then met with Vince McMahon before hanging out with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, where he went over plans for the Rumble with Triple H.

    Nash also noted that he talked with people from THQ, makers of SmackDown vs. RAW and All Stars, while he was at the Rumble.

    Nash said that he is signed to a Legends contract and will meet with WWE officials on Wednesday of this week to talk about what’s next. Under the Legends deal, Nash will likely be involved with things like action figures and DVD’s.

    On Sunday night, Nash wrote on Twitter about his WWE return, sounding very content with his return to the organization that made him a top star. He wrote @RealKevinNash:

    “I want to thank everyone at WWE. All the fans in Boston. For giving me a night I will never forget. (GroundHog Day) I’ll relive that 1 over

    As long as WWE will have me in wrestling capacity and my body can handle it, I will wrestle. It’s what I do! Best decision of my life.

    When Vince McMahon is the boss and your best friend and his wife run creative and you see each other and hug and there is true emotion….

    Contracts aren’t needed. I will do whatever I’m asked. I was welcomed back into the Family. I wont make mistake of leaving again!”

  • Jericho Says A Deal Is In Place For Him To Return To WWE

    During an interview with Brian Fritz of Fanhouse.com, former WWE superstar Chris Jericho hinted that he’s not as far from returning to WWE as some may think. Here are some highlights of what Jericho said about:

    Returning To WWE: “I consider it always because it’s not like it was in 2005 where I was sick of wrestling. Sick of it is maybe a harsh word. Disenchanted, I guess, is a better word.”

    “I wasn’t disenchanted when I left in September. It was just my contract was up. That was it. And there were other things just waiting to come through. Even if I was coming back, I always would have taken those four months, three months off to do the Fozzy tours. Then other things have kind of popped up to delay my return.”

    His WWE Contract Status: “I mean, there’s a deal on the table,” he said. “A deal on the table that’s 90-percent done. There’s a couple of minor things that we had to hammer out. It would just be a matter of what other stuff is going on and how that stuff is going.”

  • VIDEO: Watch WWE’s Teaser Video For “2 21 11”

  • What Happened After Monday’s RAW Went Off The Air

    Reader Ryan Hanley sent in this live recap of what happened after Monday’s RAW went off the air:

    After Raw went off the air, Jerry Lawler thanked the crowd in Providence, saying he wanted to invite everyone down to the ring to celebrate. He couldn’t do that, so he invited The Miz down to celebrate.

    Miz and Riley entered the ring and mocked the crowd for supporting King. Miz said, “All I have to say is this” to King, and went for a cheap shot. King blocked and threw Miz and Riley out of the ring.

    A bit more celebration from King as the arena continued to empty out to conclude the TV taping.

  • WWE Airs Teaser Videos On RAW Hyping “2/21/11″ (POLL)

    2 21 11
    WWE Teasing Something Big For 2/21/11?

    WWE two vignettes on Monday’s RAW which appeared to tease the arrival of a new Superstar.

    The video (WATCH HERE) showed a mysterious figure in a long black trench coat walking in a  dark, rainy setting. The end of the video flashed the date “2 21 11” in fiery text.

    February 21st, 2011 is the date for WWE Monday Night RAW in Fresno, California from the Save Mart Center. It will be the night after WWE’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view and the real start of the “road to WrestleMania.”

    What or WHO do you think this could be a tease for? VOTE BELOW:

    [poll id=”27″]

  • SmackDown Main Event, Kofi’s Dream Opponent & More

    — Edge and Kelly Kelly vs. Dolph Ziggler and LayCool in a 3-on-2 mixed tag match. Edge’s World Heavyweight title will be on the line, so hypothetical – if Michelle McCool pins Kelly Kelly, Dolph Ziggler is the new champion. That makes a ton of sense.

    – Last Friday’s SmackDown did a 2.01 rating with 3,024,000 viewers.

    – In an interview with ESPN.com, Kofi Kingston was asked who his dream WrestleMania opponent would be. “My dream match would be against Ricky Steamboat,” Kingston said. “You saw him comeback a few years ago and he still had it. He’s phenomenal, and I’d love if he could come back one more time to challenge for the Intercontinental belt. It could be like a student versus teacher type match. For me, being in the same ring as the guys I watched growing up just means so much and that would be amazing to me if I got that chance.”

    The high flying SmackDown star was also asked about playing video games while he’s not on the road and which superstars he plays against. “Big Show, myself, Cody Rhodes, Tyler Reks, and that savage Hornswoggle,” he said. “There are a handful of us who form this underground wrestling gamer community.”

  • First WM27 Match Announced, RAW Dark Matches & More

    – On Monday’s RAW, Royal Rumble winner Alberto Del Rio announced that he will challenge Edge for the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania 27 on 4/3. This is the first match officially confirmed for WWE’s biggest show of the year.

    – The dark match before tonight’s RAW in Rhode Island saw William Regal beat Johnny Curtis.

    – Matches taped for this Thursday’s WWE Superstars before RAW tonight were Melina vs. Tamina and Zack Ryder & Primo vs. David Hart Smith & Yoshi Tatsu.

  • Booker T Signs WWE Contract, Possibly Getting Main Event Run

    There was much talk internally relating to the overwhelming crowd reaction both Kevin Nash and Booker T received last night at the Royal Rumble. Booker was originally slated to return as a manager who wrestled and coached, but based on his performance last night, many feel he can “still go.” A few ideas have been discussed for him involving top tier WWE talent. He has signed a long-term contract with the organization.

    Nash is scheduled for no more than short-term run with WWE, but officials are open to using him as a trainer or coach. Wrestling, however, seems unlikely at this point.

    (source: f4wonline.com)

  • Riley Eliminated Early During Rumble Match, Nash/Big Show Note

    — There was some confusion surrounding Alex Riley and his elimination during the Royal Rumble last night because he was not supposed to go out when he did. He was supposed to hang on to the ring ropes when he was thrown over. This explains why the announcers were asking about him after he had been eliminated. They didn’t call his elimination.

    — As Kevin Nash was getting up from the ground following his elimination from the Royal Rumble, a referee told him something. He then stared down Big Show as he was exiting the arena. It’s thought that this may have been a backstage audible due to the crowd’s receptive reaction to him and WWE planning something for him going forward.

    — The song used during the video promoting Randy Orton’s match against The Miz at the Royal Rumble is “Machine Gun Blues” by Social Distortion.

    source: f4wonline.com

  • Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Says He Will Return To WWE

    Former WWE talent Dwayne Johnson (a/k/a The Rock) has started a weekly feature on his official Facebook page where he’ll choose fans’ questions once per week to answer in depth.

    When asked why he decided to leave WWE and if he’s ever coming back, he bluntly states that he will never wrestle again. He does, however, note that he will appear for WWE when the timing is right.

    His complete response reads:

    “…to “the Rock’s millions and millions”…who will forever be my family.. ..my honest and direct answer to you is this: I left the WWE because I had succeeded in accomplishing every goal I set to achieve. …I’ve never done this before, but I will now because I feel it’s important you know..let me share with you the goals I set for myself in the WWE so you can have a better understanding and perspective.. – become the youngest WWE World Champion – help set box office and attendance records in every arena in the country – help set PPV buy rate records ..the final two and my most important goals to achieve in wrestling: – become the most entertaining and electrifying performer the WWE had ever seen or will ever see again – take the brass ring of the WWE that Vince McMahon had faithfully allowed me to earn and take it places it had never gone before…to trailblaze…to break new ground…to achieve unprecedented greatness for not only for myself and the fans to enjoy…but for the business of professional wrestling itself and the WWE… A business and company that is in my blood and that I will love forever. …I achieved these goals in the WWE at 30 years old and decided then to HUMBLY and QUIETLY step away and retire. ..and set my sights on another goal…a childhood dream…Hollywood. ..will I ever come back to the WWE? of course I will..not a match though, but in a capacity that would allow me to do so much more.. I LOVE that company and the fans…without the two I would not be standing where I am today… Vince and myself stay very closely connected and when the opportunity is right – which will be alot sooner than you think – we will do something electrifying and historic for the fans…he and I were toying with the idea of a special show called “ROCK RAW”… sounds like a perfect title for me to come back and SLAP THE LIPS OFF THOSE JABRONIS and LAYETH THE SMACKETH DOWN ON AAAAALLLLL THEIR CANDY ASSES!!! sorry…got carried away..I’ll save that one of a kind electricity for Rock Raw.. …it is important to me to say this from my heart – to the incredibly loyal “..The Rock’s Millions and Millions…” and the entire WWE UNIVERSE…I am forever humbled and grateful to you for allowing me the HONOR to entertain you over the years…you have my word I will continue to entertain you in ways like no one else…it’s only just the beginning… I dream big…and we’ve achieved those dreams together because you never left my side..I love you for that and thank you… I am Dwayne Johnson…and I will also always be The Rock.”

  • TNA Brass Hopeful For “They” Storyline, Nash Blows Off Carter

    — Former TNA Wrestling production manager Randy Ricci noted on his blog that a ‘reliable source’ informed him that top brass such as Dixie Carter, Vince Russo and Eric Bischoff are very hopeful that the “They” storyline “saves the company.”

    Ricci adds that the storyline is being built off Karen and Jeff Jarrett’s ‘real live heat’ with Kurt Angle and that any employee against the angle is considered to be working against the company and thus may be terminated.

    — Sting, who is rumored to be returning to TNA Wrestling, is not scheduled for this week’s iMPACT tapings.

    — Booker T and Kevin Nash were in negotiations to return to TNA Wrestling as late as last week, but both grapplers instead opted to return to World Wrestling Entertainment. Booker T personally informed company president Dixie Carter that he had declined TNA’s offer. Nash, however, did not. He verbally agreed to return to TNA and was slated to sign a contract this week. Carter discovered Nash bolting for WWE when the news broke online.

    sources: PWInsider.com, F4WOnline.com

  • RAW Preview For Tonight: Major Angle To Begin Very Soon

    – Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW will take place from the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island. Expect plenty of fallout from last night’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. We are officially on the road to WrestleMania, so expect the build to begin tonight.

    We can report that WWE is on the verge of kicking off a major storyline that will propel several top superstars into their WrestleMania matches. We cannot confirm the specifics of the “major” angle, but as of last week, it was being strongly considered that the angle would take place tonight on RAW.

    The dark match main event that’s being advertised locally is John Cena and Randy Orton vs. CM Punk and The Miz, with Michael Cole as referee.

    – As we reported over the weekend, WWE has reportedly signed lucha libre star Mistico – after months of negotiations. According to a source in WWE, Mistico flew to the United States early last week to finalize the deal.

    As for whether Mistico will use that same gimmick when he debuts with WWE, it appears unlikely. Mexico’s EMLL promotion owns the gimmick and the company is said to be unhappy that Mistico did not include EMLL on the negotiations, which violates an agreement he reportedly had with them. Additionally, WWE typically likes to repackage new talent it brings in, so we shall see. Mistico will be heading to WWE developmental in Florida in the coming weeks to begin his training.

  • News On Kong Debuting, Update On Talent Pulled From Rumble

    — Awesome Kong was backstage at last night’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view event in Boston, but was not used. She is set to debut imminently. She is backstage at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence for tonight’s Raw.

    — WWE Superstars Superstars Darren Young, David Hart Smith and Primo were advertised on WWE.com for last night’s 40-Man Royal Rumble Match but ultimately excluded. All three were not backstage at the Rumble as they were informed last week that they had been taken off the show. Smith, however, is in Providence for tonight’s Raw.

    — Gail Kim took to Twitter to comment on speculation she performed as a heel at Saturday’s live event due to her partnership with Maryse in a tag team match. She wrote, “People I was forced to be Maryse’s tag partner by the GM! She left me high and dry so don’t think I wanted to be her partner.I had no choice.”

    — There was much criticism amongst WWE officials regarding the quality of the commentary by Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and Matt Striker during last night’s Royal Rumble broadcast.

    — “Rowdy” Roddy Piper suffered a black eye at the hands of Terry Funk during a battle royal at WrestleReunion 5 in Los Angeles.

    source: f4wonline.com

  • Major Announcement To Take Place On Tonight’s RAW

    The official WWE website has announced that a “major announcement” will take place on tonight’s episode of Monday Night RAW.

    Following SmackDown star Alberto Del Rio’s win at last night’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view, it’s been announced that the SmackDown star will reveal which title he plans to challenge for at WrestleMania 27 in April.

    Del Rio has the option of challenging WWE Champion The Miz or World Heavyweight champion Edge.

  • Nash & Booker T In WWE Causes Major Problems For TNA

    At Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view, former TNA stars Kevin Nash and Booker T made surprise appearances that have caused major rewrites to TNA’s “they” storyline.

    It’s been widely speculated that TNA’s recent “they are coming” storyline would culminate in the return of the Main Event Mafia. With Kevin Nash and Booker T being two of the key members of the Mafia, major changes had to be made to the storyline.

    A TNA source said, “Big time rewrite mode this week due to their dumb asses writing a plot around guys who are not under contract.”

    Before he opted to appear at the Royal Rumble PPV, Kevin Nash had been pencilled in as part of the angle. There was also speculating regarding Booker T because of his past connections to the group, but he had not yet been contacted about participating.

    (Source: prowrestling.net)

  • Val Venis Talks About Presciption Pain Pill Abuse In WWE

    As we reported earlier this month, former WWE superstar Val Venis (real name Sean Morley) has launched ScriptDanger.com, a site which aims to spread awareness about the dangers of prescription pain medication abuse. Morley was interviewed by FanHouse.com this week and had this to say about the following topics:

    Prescription Pain Pill Abuse: “It’s an epidemic across America. I couldn’t stand by and not try to do anything so we decided to put a team together and we came up with ScriptDanger.com where we’re looking into going to the universities, high schools, colleges, into corporations, small businesses, big businesses, sports teams and really push the message that these prescription drugs are not a game and they can not only ultimately destroy your life and your career, it can kill you.”

    WWE’s Wellness Policy: “If your family doctor prescribes you pain meds, there’s not much legally WWE can do about it,” he said. “However, with the Wellness Program, they are monitoring the use of pain meds a lot tighter than they ever did before. So, I think it’s a much healthier environment but the truth be told, no matter what the WWE does, if someone has a desire to abuse pain meds, they’re going to do it regardless of what the Wellness Program states or not.”

    His Experience Going Through Withdrawls: “I felt like ripping my skin right off my body. It was horrible. My body just started going through these horrendous withdrawals just from three months of clinical use. That surprised me and I was completely taken back that three months of clinical use could have your body addicted that quickly .. I want to say about a week into [the withdrawls], maybe a little less, the cravings for me to go back to my doctor and get a refill just so I could feel normal again were overwhelming. If it wasn’t for my wife basically keeping me on track and forcing me to power my way through it, I’m sure I would have gone back to the doctor to get another prescription in order to just feel normal again.”

  • WWE Interviews Kevin Nash: WWE Future, Rumble & More

    Following his surprise return as Diesel at Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view, former WWE champion Kevin Nash was interviewed by WWE.com. Here are some highlights of what Nash said about:

    His WWE Return: “I wish I had a thesaurus, so I could explain it. It’s nice to be in a building with people [laughs]. When you get in this business, you strive to get to WWE, and when it’s time to hang up your boots, you definitely want to end up a Yankee. So, if this was my last one, I couldn’t be happier.”

    “[It was] unexplainable to be back, a dream come true, a wonderful night. I was trying to think, What tops this? When I won the WWE Title against Bob [Backlund] at Madison Square Garden, I didn’t really realize what I had. There are definitely more years behind me than ahead of me, so you appreciate these things. It was special tonight. It was probably the best night for me.”

    Was The Rumble His Final WWE Match? “I hope not. I know Randy Orton, he’s got pull around here [laughs]. I’d stay as long as they’ll have me, or as long as my body will hold on.

    His Confrontation With The Big Show: “A lot of history there, either together or on the opposite side of the ring. I’ve probably had 200 matches with Big Show in my life. He’s still probably the most impressive physical specimen I’ve been in the ring with – by far the strongest, still the measuring stick. I’d like to give him another run for his money.”

  • WWE Leaving The Door Open For Kaval, Spokesman Comments

    The New York Daily News features a profile on Brooklyn native Brandon Silvestry (a/k/a Kaval and Low-Ki) focusing on his tenure with World Wrestling Entertainment and “underdog” demeanor.

    The article suggests that Silvestry was surprised by WWE notifying him of his release from the organization on December 23, which he dubbed a “Christmas present.

    Silverstry, however, has indicated in recent interviews that it was his decision to part ways with the organization.

    “It was a mutual parting of the ways,” said a WWE spokesman to the New York Daily News. “There is no bad blood between the WWE and Kaval. The door remains open for him to return.”

    Silvestry insists he was released because he wasn’t one of the typical larger-than-life, trash-talking superstars that WWE is known for.

    “I’m not 6-foot-2, I’m not 250 pounds. I don’t talk all kinds of trash. I just handle guys in the ring,” he said. “I’m not going to dwell on it. I gotta just plan ahead and move forward.”

    To read the story, click here

  • Rumor On McMahon Stepping Down, WM27 Theme Song

    — The latest issue of Power Slam features a story on Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque’s official promotion to Senior Advisor to Vince McMahon, which has led many to conclude that “The Game” is now more interested in a career behind the scenes than in the squared circle. Though in no way confirmed, the article notes that McMahon is expected to step down from his post as Chairman and CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment in 2011 or 2012 and hand over the reigns of the company to Levesque. McMahon, however, would remain with the organization in an advisory role.

    – The song used during the WrestleMania XXVII promotional video that aired during last night’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view broadcast is “Written in the Stars” by Tinie Tempah (featuring Eric Turner). Tempah is a British rapper.

    — Former WWE talent Mark ‘Muhammed Hassan’ Copani has launched an account on Twitter. He lists himself as an actor/entertainer.

  • Tons Of Live Notes From Sunday’s Royal Rumble PPV

    Thanks to Mike McMahon of Steelcage.net for the following live notes from last night’s WWE Royal Rumble in Boston:

    – The Rumble was a really good show that the live audience ate up.

    – The crowd was a legit sellout. The only seats tarped off were those behind the set.

    – The live crowd was really into the Ziggler-Edge opening bout. I’d say for more than half the match, the majority of the building was standing. Those two obviously put on a helluva show Ziggler, despite being eaten up on Smackdown heading into the event, was really over with the crowd in Boston. A lot of people were chanting “Christian!” on the ref-bump spot that resulted in Edge using the spear.

    – The crowd was a little quiet to start Miz-Orton, but I think that’s because everyone was so hot for the Ziggler-Edge match. As we got to the finish, when Nexus came out, the crowd woke up big time and popped huge for the finish.

    – The crowd was really disappointed to get Eve as the fourth addition to the Divas’ match. Obviously most thought it was going to be Awesome Kong, and there were even “Kong!” chants before Eve was announced.

    – I was surprised how hot the crowd was at the start of the Rumble. Obviously it was going to be a long match before the payoff with the finish. I think having CM Punk come out as entry No. 1 helped in that regard, because the crowd was into him. I liked the Nexus-Corre brawl to start the match. The “smart” fans in the crowd were electric with Bryan-Punk to start.

    – Booker T received a HUGE reaction. Kevin Nash had a huge pop as well. Considering the surprises were not really well kept and at least everyone around me knew they were coming, the reaction was enormous for both men. That says a lot to how over they are. Especially in Nash’s case – he’s been off of WWE television for what? Six years?

    – Another really good pop for Chavo Guerrero’s three-amigos suplex spot. The crowd was really into that. Popped huge for every attempt. Good to see Chavo get a quality PPV spot, too.

    – It was really entertaining to me to watch some of the younger fans (and some of the … well, less intelligent) who were genuinely pissed off that Miz eliminated John Cena. There was one woman in front of me – she was in her 20?s at least, maybe 30?s – screaming at her friend that Miz wasn’t in the Rumble and Cena should NOT have been eliminated. Then went on a tirade about how no referee saw that? Why didn’t they just look at the replay on the screen? … Hey lady, it’s a work. Don’t have a heart attack here.

    – I think some in the crowd were disappointed that Triple H didn’t make his return at the Rumble. I wasn’t as surprised. It really didn’t make much sense for Triple H to return unless he was going to win the match. At No. 37, people around me were counting off who still wasn’t in, trying to see if Triple H was a possibility. Poor Kane got a lesser reaction because I think some people were disappointed.

    – Del Rio winning the Rumble was expected from me, but got a good pop. I just assumed with his build and promos heading into the match meant he was going to win it. A nice little swerve at the end with Santino, that had some in the crowd wondering what was actually happening … one guy yelled, “What the (expletive) is going on!?!?!”

    – After the show went off the air, Del Rio and his ring announcer, Ricardo Rodriguez, walked slowly up the aisle and spent a lot of time right by the stage. The camera man seemed to signal for Rodriguez to keep talking while they recorded. Then at one point, Charles Robinson looked like he gave Rodriguez the wrap-up signal. At one point, Rodriguez was on a long (1-2 minute) filibuster (in Spanish, of course) where all I understood was “Rumble” and “Wrestlemania.” Then the pair walked to the back and Justin Roberts thanked us all for coming.

  • Backstage News On Kevin Nash & Booker T’s WWE Futures

    Sunday’s Royal Rumble match saw the surprise returns of Kevin Nash (as Diesel) and Booker T. Both men looked to be in top physical shape, with Kevin Nash dying his hair and goatee black for the first time in many years to reprise his role as Big Daddy Cool.

    As to whether they signed new WWE contracts or the appearances were just a one-night-only deal, it appears we will likely see more of both. Dave Meltzer reports that as of this weekend, Booker T is under some sort of WWE contract with but Kevin Nash is not. The feeling is that WWE may offer more work based on the huge reactions each of them got at the Royal Rumble. Both still have a great deal of star power and both have ties to WCW. Most have probably heard by now that WrestleMania is likely going to feature some sort of WCW tie-in, since WrestleMania is taking place from Atlanta, the former home of the now-defunct promotion.

    Kevin Nash has spoken publicly about wanting to attend the upcoming WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. Following his appearance in the Rumble match, Nash wrote on Twitter, which seems to imply that there could be more to his WWE return:

    “Absolutely the best night of my wrestling career. It’s so nice to be back in WWE family. Thanks Boston for making me feel so special.”

    As for Booker T, he may end up doing anything from announcing to managing and working backstage. A role for Booker T on the return of Tough Enough has been brought up.

  • Mysterio Working Through Injury, Current Feud Slated For Mania

    Rey Mysterio is presently working through a rotator cuff injury. The injury occurred during SmackDown’s most recent overseas tour and company officials have been limiting his in-ring work at television and pay-per-view events, as well as house shows. He’s contained in tag matches when he does work non-televised events.

    Meanwhile, Mysterio handpicked Cody Rhodes to work his current storyline with. Current plans call for the two to face off at WrestleMania XXVII.

    Mysterio is said to be hopeful that he can avoid surgery through rehabilitation.

    (source: prowrestling.net)

  • JR Blog: Royal Rumble Thoughts, Austin Hosting Tough Enough

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com In this update, JR had plenty to say about Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view as well as the announcement that Steve Austin will be hosting the new season of WWE Tough Enough. Here are some highlights of what he said about:

    Steve Austin Hosting Tough Enough: “I learned that Steve Austin is excited about hosting Tough Enough and as we all are awaiting to see who his trainers are going to be. Austin should be highly entertaining in this natural, free flowing environment.”

    Morrison’s Wall Grab: “John Morrison’s leap of faith to the security wall and show of athleticism will be on many future Royal Rumble highlight packages. I thought Morrison might last a little longer in the RR match but that one interval served Morrison well.”

    Dolph Ziggler’s Performance: “Dolph Ziggler reminds me somewhat of the great Pat Patterson of many years gone by not to mention that the athletic Ziggler has some Mr. Perfect traits as well. Ziggler can become very, very good in time especially when he becomes more comfortable on the mic. However with heat seeking missile Vickie Guerrero aligned with Dolph, Ziggler’s need to talk isn’t a priority….yet.”

    Booker T & Kevin Nash’s Returns: “Great ovations from where I was sitting at home in my old La-Z-Boy for both Booker T and Kevin Nash. Good to see both men looking physically fit and the Boston crowd ate up both stars surprise appearances. I have no idea if their Royal Rumble appearances were one offs or if they will be hanging around WWE at least on a part time basis. Both have skills that they can add to the mix even if they don’t step back into a wrestling ring.”

    CM Punk’s Performance: “CM Punk had a MVP like performance Sunday night and impressed me on numerous exchanges both athletically and with his facial expressions. Looks like Punk vs. Orton is going to be on the WM27 menu unless I’m wrong and, BTW, that happens frequently. Bottom line….good night for Punk.”

  • Booker T Signs Book Deal, Scheduled For 2012 Release

    Book publisher Medallion Press issued a press release today  announcing that former WWE and WCW World champion Booker T has signed a book deal to release an autobiography next year. Here it is:

    CAN YOU DIG IT, SUCKA?

    St. Charles, Illinois—January 31, 2011—Hot on the heels of an appearance on WWE’s Royal Rumble 2011, fan favorite Booker T. has signed a deal to publish an autobiography detailing his tough road from rags to riches. Book publisher Medallion Press, Inc., set to release The Road Warriors: Danger, Death, and the Rush of Wrestling by Joe “Animal” Laurinaitis with Andrew William Wright (March 2011), announced today that Booker T. Huffman—who has held 35 major titles within WWE, WCW, and TNA and is one of the most decorated champions in the history of professional wrestling—has decided it’s time his story be told.

    Scheduled to release September 2012, Booker’s raw and honest autobiography From Prison to Promise, also with Andrew William Wright, will detail Huffman’s struggles with family and crime in urban Houston before becoming one of the world’s most recognized and successful athletes.

    The youngest of eight children, Booker was born just outside Shreveport, Louisiana, on March 1, 1965. Booker’s father passed away just 10 months later. His mother, knowing her children needed a better environment in which to be raised, packed everything up and moved to Houston, Texas.

    “My mother worked hard to provide for us, and I can say without question that although I may have had many wants, I never had any needs,” said Huffman. “Sure, we might’ve been on food stamps, but I always had a warm coat, shoes on my feet, and food on the table.” Then in 1978, when Booker was only 13 years old, his mother passed away at the age of 49, leaving the Huffman siblings to navigate life on their own.

    Without parental guidance, Booker’s life spiraled out of control. Gang life eventually consumed him, and he was sentenced to five years in prison for armed robbery on February 14, 1987. It was there, behind bars in Navasota, Texas, that Booker made himself a promise to rise above a life of crime and hopelessness to accomplish greater things, things he would have once thought impossible.

    And that’s exactly what Huffman did. Now, for the first time, his inspiring true story will be released to the public for everyone to read and learn from.

    “I’m at that point in my life where I feel maybe someone else can benefit from hearing what I’ve been through,” Booker said. “You know, whether their parents passed away at an early age, or they got into some serious trouble with the law, there’s no doubt in my mind people will not only relate to what I went through, but maybe I can even help keep some of them from going down the same path.”

    From anonymity to stardom, from rags to riches, this story will remind you that anything is possible when you choose to make a positive impact.

    From Prison to Promise by Booker T. Huffman with Andrew William Wright (Medallion Press, September 2012, Hardcover, ISBN 9781605424682, $24.95 U.S./$26.95 CAN) <> About Medallion Press, Inc.:
    Medallion Press, Inc. is a genre fiction and nonfiction publisher dedicated to creating the highest quality product, both inside and out.

  • WWE Confirms Stone Cold Steve Austin Hosting Tough Enough

    World Wrestling Entertainment made the following announcement over the weekend:

    NEW YORK CITY – USA Network and WWE announced that WWE Hall of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin will host USA Network’s upcoming reality series “WWE Tough Enough.” The non-scripted series will premiere Monday, April 4 at 11/10 CT, immediately following USA’s ratings juggernaut WWE Monday Night Raw, and move to its regularly scheduled slot in primetime, Mondays at 8/7 CT, starting on April 11.

    “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has captivated audiences around the world with his magnetic presence and bold, yet charming nature. Austin has done it all in sports-entertainment, winning 17 championships, including the WWE Championship six times. He has an immense and incredibly devoted fan base, and is considered one of the most popular WWE Superstars of all time. Austin was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.

    “I am very excited about the opportunity to work with my old friends at WWE on ‘WWE Tough Enough.’ Sports-entertainment has always been an important part of my life, and I look forward to finding the next generation of WWE Superstars,” said Austin.

    “Stone Cold” will share his intimate knowledge, experience and flair for the stage as one of the most popular figures in WWE history to a group of individuals looking for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become the next WWE Superstar or Diva. Austin 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, Calif. 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 prize winner will be awarded a contract with WWE.

    Since leaving the world of sports-entertainment, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has made a name for himself in Hollywood, with roles in such blockbuster hits as The Expendables, staring Sylvester Stallone and The Longest Yard, starring Adam Sandler and Chris Rock. Other film credits include Damage, The Condemned and Hunt to Kill. In addition to film, Austin is a household name from his work on hit television shows such as NBC’s Chuck and CBS’ Nash Bridges.

    Shed Media US, noted for its strong characters and memorable casting in the non-scripted arena, will produce “WWE Tough Enough.” The company’s previous reality credits include The Real Housewives of New York City, Who Do You Think You Are and World’s Strictest Parents. Producing for Shed Media US are Alex Demyanenko and Eric Van Wagenen.