SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Three WWE Stars Excluded From Rumble, Evan Bourne Update

    — Three WWE Superstars that were advertised on WWE.com for last night’s 40-Man Royal Rumble Match were ultimately excluded: Darren Young, David Hart Smith and Primo.

    Nine additional slots were opened as a result (there were six open slots before the pay-per-view). The slots were filled by Kevin Nash (referred to as Diesel), Booker T, Alex Riley, Chavo Guerrero, Dolph Ziggler, Hornswoggle, Randy Orton, The Great Khali and Tyler Reks.

    — Evan Bourne said on Twitter yesterday that he is still rehabbing his injured shoulder. He is expected to return to the ring by WrestleMania.

    — Former WWE star MVP is rumored to appear at New Japan Pro Wrestling’s show on Feb. 20.

  • Wrestlers Comment On Sunday’s Royal Rumble PPV

    Here’s what several past and present WWE superstars are saying about Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view:

    Shawn Michaels on Kevin Nash: “Hey I know that guy!!! First guy to get a chant!!!”

    Chris Jericho on Kevin Nash: “Great seeing Deisel back in the WWE. Perfect use of him for a “nice surprise””

    Chris Jericho on John Morrison: “Morrisons barrier jump spot was incredible! An all-time Rumble highlight”

    DDP on the Rumble: “Havent watched WWE in a long time. Just watched Edge and Dolph have a Great match at The Rumble… Looking forward to Miz ORTON”

    Eve Torres on winning the Divas Title: “What good is an opportunity if you are not ready for it? Stay ready, keep beliEVEing, your moment may be today! What an unpredictable, crazy, amazing night! Thank you BeliEVErs. We did it!”

    Kofi Kingston: “Wow, what a night. The crowd was sick tonight! Best rumble Ive been a part of thus far. The road to wrestlemania has officially begun!”

    Val Venis on Albert Del Rio: “I am very happy for Del Rio. He is truly a great performer. Vince is hearing Cha Ching with Del Rio. Or at least he should be hearing that.”

    Carlito on Del Rio: “I guess I dont have special powers! Congrats to del rio and the wwe for changing things up!”

    Shane Helms on Del Rio: “Del Rio is 1/3 JBL, 1/3 Ricky Ricardo, and 1/3 Ric Flair. Hope to see him go far.”

    Jim Ross on Booker T & Kevin Nash: “Thought Booker & Nash both physically looked super 2nite. I hope they stick around WWE. TBD, I suppose.”

  • List Of Which Superstars Had The Most Rumble Eliminations

    CM Punk and John Cena tied for the most eliminations in last night’s Royal Rumble main event with 7 each. Nexus as a group had 10 total eliminations. The following is a list of number of eliminations from last night, with assists included:

    * CM Punk – 7
    * John Cena – 7
    * Michael McGillicutty – 4
    * Randy Orton – 3
    * Husky Harris – 3
    * Daniel Bryan – 2
    * Mark Henry – 2
    * Rey Mysterio – 2
    * Wade Barrett – 2
    * Alberto Del Rio – 2
    * Mason Ryan – 2
    * Big Show – 2
    * David Otunga – 2
    * Ted DiBiase Jr. – 1
    * The Great Khali – 1
    * Sheamus – 1
    * Kofi Kingston – 1
    * Ezekiel Jackson – 1
    * Kane – 1

    The Miz, who was not an entrant in the match, had one elimination – John Cena.

  • List Of Time Spent In The Royal Rumble For All 40 Participants

    Here are the times that WWE Superstars lasted in the Royal Rumble match last night. CM Punk lasted the longest at 35 minutes and 22 seconds. R-Truth only lasted 30 seconds. The returning Kevin Nash lasted 2 minutes and 44 seconds while Booker T lasted 1 minute and 8 seconds. The winner Alberto Del Rio was in the match for 12 minutes and 33 seconds.

    * CM Punk – 35:22
    * John Cena – 33:18
    * Wade Barrett – 22:24
    * Kofi Kingston – 21:05
    * Daniel Bryan – 20:56
    * Rey Mysterio Jr. – 19:08
    * Sheamus – 18:18
    * Husky Harris – 15:59
    * Michael McGillicutty – 15:07
    * John Morrison – 13:22
    * Santino Marella – 12:55
    * Alberto Del Rio – 12:33
    * Ted Dibiase Jr. – 12:16
    * David Otunga – 11:57
    * Hornswoggle – 9:39
    * Randy Orton – 8:20
    * Ezekiel Jackson – 7:14
    * Mark Henry – 7:03
    * Yoshi Tatsu – 5:35
    * Dolph Ziggler – 5:02
    * Jack Swagger – 4:51
    * Drew McIntyre – 4:46
    * Mason Ryan – 4:30
    * William Regal – 4:10
    * The Big Show – 3:31
    * Alex Riley – 3:16
    * Diesel – 2:44
    * Chavo Guerrero – 2:01
    * Chris Masters – 1:57
    * Kane – 1:36
    * JTG – 1:48
    * The Great Khali – 1:16
    * Booker T – 1:08
    * Justin Gabriel – 0:58
    * Heath Slater – 0:57
    * Tyson Kidd – 0:52
    * Zack Ryder – 0:43
    * Vladimir Kozlov – 0:40
    * Tyler Reks – 0:34
    * R-Truth – 0:30

    (Source: PWInsider.com)

  • Complete List Of 2011 Royal Rumble Entrants & Eliminations

    Below is the full list of 2011 WWE Royal Rumble entrants and eliminations from tonight’s pay-per-view:

    Royal Rumble Entrants:

    1. CM Punk
    2. Daniel Bryan
    3. Justin Gabriel
    4. Zack Ryder
    5. William Regal
    6. Ted DiBiase
    7. John Morrison
    8. Yoshi Tatsu
    9. Husky Harris
    10. Chavo Guerrero
    11. Mark Henry
    12. JTG
    13. Michael McGillicutty
    14. Chris Masters
    15. David Otunga
    16. Tyler Reks
    17. Kozlov
    18. R-Truth
    19. Great Khali
    20. Mason Ryan
    21. Booker T
    22. John Cena
    23. Hornswoggle
    24. Tyson Kidd
    25. Heath Slater
    26. Kofi Kingston
    27. Jack Swagger
    28. Sheamus
    29. Rey Mysterio
    30. Wade Barrett
    31. Dolph Ziggler
    32. Kevin Nash (Diesel)
    33. Drew McIntyre
    34. Alex Riley
    35. Big Show
    36. Ezekiel Jackson
    37. Santino
    38. Alberto Del Rio
    39. Randy Orton
    40. Kane

    Royal Rumble Eliminations:

    1. Gabriel (via Bryan at 2:35)
    2. Ryder (via Bryan at 3:45)
    3. Regal (via DiBiase at 8:52)
    4. Chavo (via Henry at 15:05)
    5. Yoshi (via Henry at 15:34)
    6. JTG (via McG at 18:00)
    7. DiBiase (via Harris & McG at 18:51)
    8. Bryan (via Harris at 20:56)
    9. Masters (via Punk at 21:11)
    10. Morrison (via Nexus at 21:25)
    11. Henry (via Nexus at 21:50)
    12. Reks (via Nexus at 22:50)
    13. Kozlov (via Punk at 24:19)
    14. R-Truth (via Punk at 26:10)
    15. Husky (via Khali at 27:23)
    16. Khali (via Mason at 28:22)
    17. Booker (via Mason at 31:00)
    18. Ryan (via Cena at 32:35)
    19. Otunga (via Cena at 32:40)
    20. McGillicutty (via Cena at 32:41)
    21. Punk (via Cena at 35:20)
    22. Kidd (via Cena at 37:05)
    23. Slater (via Cena at 38:42)
    24. Hornswoggle (via Sheamus at 43:53)
    25. Swagger (via Rey at 45:35)
    26. Diesel (via Barrett at 52:22)
    27. Ziggler (via Show at 54:52)
    28. McIntyre (via Show at 55:18)
    29. Show (via Jackson at 55:33)
    30. Riley (via ??? at ???)
    31. Kingston (via Orton at 60:42)
    32. Sheamus (via Orton at 60:48)
    33. Jackson (via Kane at 62:35)
    34. Kane (via Rey at 63:29)
    35. Rey (via Barrett at 63:37)
    36. Cena (via Miz at 66:30)
    37. Orton (via Barrett at 68:37)
    38. Barrett (via Del Rio at 68:39)
    39. Santino (via Del Rio at 69:48)

  • WWE Signs Mistico, Ex-WWE Star Denies Rumble Return Rumors

    — According to the latest issue of Super Luchas magazine in Mexico, CMLL star Mistico has signed a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment.

    Mistico is pictured on the magazine’s cover and the headline indicates Mistico saying that he has signed with WWE.

    Mistico took part in a tryout before company officials last year and impressed.

    Since 2006, Místico has been the top babyface in CMLL and the biggest box office draw in Mexico.

    — Former WWE talent Kip James (a/k/a Billy Gunn) denied rumors of a possible appearance at tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view.

    “No I will NOT be at the Royal Rumble,” James wrote on Twitter. “@DavidHerro didn’t get me booked. #ThanksPal.”

  • Kong Teases Rumble Appearance, Maryse Requests Fan Videos

    — Awesome Kong teased an appearance at tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view as she noted the following on Twitter this afternoon.

    “My stomach is RUMBLE-ing. Craving sushi so I may SMACK DOWN on some RAW fish.”

    According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s charge report on Kong last month for driving without a valid license, she resides in Massachusetts, near the site of tonight’s pay-per-view event.

    — Maryse requested last week on Twitter ninety second tribute videos of her talking.

    “I need a 90 secs video tribute of me talking, in an out of the ring, in commentary, backstages, ects….with other celebs I worked with,” she wrote. “Its a tribute to maryse s french accent…email it to me at maryseouellet500@gmail.com.”

    She will post the best videos on her official website and follow the creators on Twitter.

  • Brock Lesnar Pitched WWE Return To UFC

    Contrary to Brock Lesnar’s public dismissal last week of the long-standing rumor that he was interested in participating in this year’s WrestleMania event, the latest issue of Power Slam reports that according to multiple sources, he did attempt to persuade UFC officials to allow him to work a storyline with World Wrestling Entertainment that would culminate at the annual wrestling supershow.

    The proposed deal stems from his mini-confrontation with The Undertaker following UFC 121 on October 23.

    According to the magazine, Lesnar had agreed in principle to a three-appearance deal with WWE: he would have appeared on two episodes of Monday Night Raw in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania XXVI, culminating with a final appearance at the April 3 pay-per-view extravaganza in Atlanta, Georgia.

    WWE officials are willing to pay Lesnar a seven-figure sum for the three appearances. However, the deal would require approval from UFC because Lesnar is under contract to the mixed martial arts organization.

    UFC officials reportedly denied Lesnar’s request to return to WWE.

  • Update On Batista’s Whereabouts, The Bellas Work As Heels

    — It was reported earlier that Batista is in Thailand filming The Man with the Iron Fist, which also stars Russell Crowe, Lucy Liu, and mixed martial artist Cung Le. Wrestling Observer editor Dave Meltzer reports that the former WWE Champion is not slated to return to the United States until March.

    — The Bella Twins performed as heels at last night’s WWE Supershow in Springfield, MA. The twin duo lost to Gail Kim and Maryse. Though Kim partnered with heel wrestler Maryse, she maintained her babyface persona during the match while the manager of Ted DiBiase portrayed a tweener. Maryse, however, reverted back to heel following the match by attacking Kim.

    — Former WWE talent Nick Dinsmore (a/k/a Eugene) is holding a seminar in London, Kentucky on Feb. 19 from 2 to 5 p.m. It costs $50 and is limited to professional wrestlers presently licensed in the state of Kentucky with at least one year of experience. Visit www.ovwrestling.com for more information.

    source: F4WOnline.com

  • Announced Card For Tonight’s Royal Rumble PPV

    Here is the card announced thus far for tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. Only 34 WWE Superstars have been announced for the 40-Man Royal Rumble Match.

    WWE Championship Match
    The Miz vs. Randy Orton

    World Heavyweight Championship Match
    Edge (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler

    2-on-1 Handicap Match for the Divas Championship
    Natalya (c) vs. Lay-Cool

    40-Man Royal Rumble Match
    Alberto Del Rio, Big Show, Chris Masters, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, Darren Young, David Hart Smith, David Otunga, Drew McIntyre, Ezekiel Jackson, Heath Slater, Husky Harris, Jack Swagger, John Cena, John Morrison, JTG, Justin Gabriel, Kane, Kofi Kingston, Mark Henry, Mason Ryan, Michael McGillicutty, Primo, Rey Mysterio, R-Truth, Santino Marella, Sheamus, Ted DiBiase, Tyson Kidd, Vladimir Kozlov, Wade Barrett, William Regal, Yoshi Tatsu and Zack Ryder

  • News On Former Champion Returning To WWE (Contains Spoilers)

    As reported earlier, Booker T has arrived to Boston, Massachusetts for tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. He is expected to participate in the 40-Man Royal Rumble Match. His return to WWE after three years will not be a one night affair.

    According to some wrestlers, Booker T is permanently returning to WWE to both wrestle and announce. Additional details, however, have not been disclosed.

    The six-time world champion has had his sights set on a commentating position for a number of years. He indicated in an interview last year during Royal Rumble season that if he were to return to WWE, it would likely be as an announcer.

    He said, “Going back to the WWE, I know I would have to work a full schedule pretty much 180 days a year. I don’t think that’s something I want to do at this point. A lot of people speculate, but if I was to go back to the WWE, it would probably be from a wrestling announcer standpoint, that’s something I always wanted to do. So I look forward if I ever go back to WWE, it would probably be from a wrestling announcer standpoint. TNA is better for me as far as scheduling goes, but I don’t think I’ll working that hectic schedule anymore.”

    source: PWInsider.com

  • Update On Tonight’s Royal Rumble PPV (Contains Spoilers)

    — Multi-time champion Booker T has arrived to Boston, Massachusetts for tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. He is expected to participate in tonight’s 40-Man Royal Rumble Match.

    — “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan is expected to appear at tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view as he is in town for an autograph signing with fellow former WWE talent Carlito.

    — Christian was flown into Boston for tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. It is presently unclear what his role at the event will be. It should be noted that he isn’t wearing his arm in a sling. He has been sidelined since September due to a torn pectoral muscle.

    source: PWInsider.com

  • HHH’s Return Repeatedly Delayed, Reaction To COO’s Resignation

    — The latest issue of Power Slam reports that Triple H’s return to WWE programming has been postponed on multiple occasions dating back to October.

    According to WWE creative team sources, his return was originally scheduled for the Bragging Rights pay-per-view on Oct. 24. It was postponed to shortly before the Survivor Series, and again to the pay-per-view itself. He was then scheduled to return at the King of the Ring edition of Monday Night Raw on Nov. 29, then the week after that. He was also tentatively scheduled for the first Raw of 2011.

    The magazine adds that there has been talk of him returning at tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view.

    — Donna Goldsmith, Chief Operating Officer of WWE, announced this week she would be leaving the organization effective Feb. 28. Many within WWE were shocked by her resignation and it’s been speculated that it is due in part to the company’s disappointing fourth quarter earnings. Goldsmith was regarded as the second most powerful person in the company, since Linda McMahon stepped down from her position as CEO in September 2009 to launch a self-financed Senate campaign.

    source: www.f4wonline.com

  • Nash Pulls Out Of Weekend Appearances, Edge Attends ROH Show

    — Like Booker T, Kevin Nash was also scheduled to appear at this weekend’s New Orleans Comic Con, but pulled out. A convention attendee noted that personnel announced: “Kevin Nash never made it to the building. Sorry, guys.” Many in the estimated crowd of 100 fans were said to be very disappointed.

    — WWE Champion Edge, who is in Los Angeles this weekend to film retakes for his upcoming WWE Studios film, stayed at the hotel WrestleReunion convention attendees stayed at. He was spotted at yesterday’s Ring of Honor event and notably paid attention to the Kings of Wrestling vs. Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin match.

    — WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler wrestled longtime rival Bill Dundee tonight at TNA Wrestling’s original stomping grounds, the Nashville Fairgrounds. Dutch Mantel was the special guest referee.

    sources: prowrestling.net, f4wonline.com

  • *Spoilers* On Two Names Appearing At The Royal Rumble

    Booker T and Kevin Nash are scheduled to appear as surprise entrants for tomorrow night’s 40-Man Royal Rumble Match, reports PWInsider.com.

    Booker T was expected earlier based on recent talks with organization officials and his scheduled appearance at the New Orleans Comic Con this weekend being canceled. Company sources confirmed this morning he is set for the 40-Man Royal Rumble Match.

    WWE sources have also confirmed that Nash is booked for the match and is scheduled to fly into Boston later today. He was in discussions with TNA Wrestling officials as late as yesterday to finalize a contract with the organization, but instead opted to return to World Wrestling Entertainment.

    Meanwhile, TNA Wrestling sources have confirmed that discussions with Nash fell through. Both sides had been negotiating on and off with sources indicating at one point that a deal was finalized. An infuriated Nash then accused TNA personnel of leaking the information, which led to new rounds of negotiations. He admitted last week to a Puerto Rican newspaper that he was in talks with TNA regarding a return to the organization. The aforementioned discussions ended within the past 24 to 48 hours.

    source: PWInsider.com

  • Latest On Booker Returning To WWE, No. 2 WWE Officer Resigns

    — It was reported yesterday that Booker T canceled his scheduled appearance at this weekend’s New Orleans Comic Con. Though it has not been confirmed that former world champion will appear at tomorrow’s Royal Rumble, many people within WWE expect him to be on hand for the event.

    — Donna Goldsmith, Chief Operating Officer of World Wrestling Entertainment, announced this week she would be leaving the organizaion effective Feb. 28. The notice is available here.

    Goldsmith was head of WWE Consumer Products for a number of years, which was considered the premiere division in the company for most of the past decade. She was promoted to COO and only trailed Vince McMahon in regards to power in the organization.

    — Kelly Kelly was a Twitter trending topic yesterday in the United States during SmackDown.

    — Today is former WWE star Hardcore Holly’s birthday. He turns 48 years old.

    source: f4wonline.com

  • Phoenix Wants To Compete In The Rumble, Wrestlicious Update

    — Beth Phoenix revealed to SLAM! Wrestling that she wants another Royal Rumble opportunity. “The Glamazon” took part in last year’s showcase, kissing and then eliminating The Great Khali.

    “There’s 10 more spots, and that means 10 more chances to go an compete in the Royal Rumble, and go and compete, to wrestle for the World heavyweight championship at WrestleMania,” she said. “I think that the odds are a little bit better this year to get another opportunity, but like all the superstars, we don’t find out until the very last minute. So, there’s always a chance. That’s the great thing about watching it on pay-per-view is that you never know what you’re going to see.”

    To read the article, here.

    — WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart said last week on The Bubba the Love Sponge Show that Wrestlicious is close to securing a television deal with MTV2.

    — WWE Hall of Famer Jerry “The King” Lawler vs. Matt Riviera headlines New Millennium Wrestling’s Feb. 26 event at the Balch Springs Recreation Center in Balch Springs, Texas.

    source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • Steve Austin To Host Tough Enough, Superstars Rating Improves

    — Entertainment Weekly is reporting that “Stone Cold” Steve Austin has been tapped to host the revival of Tough Enough on the USA Network.

    The show premieres April 4, following Monday Night Raw.

    — The Jan. 27 episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America scored a 0.64 cable rating with 755,000 viewers. Viewership was up from last week’s episode, which was a 0.49 cable rating with 565,000 viewers.

    The midnight replay scored a 0.17 cable rating with 120,000 viewers.

    — The WrestleReunion website noted that Edge was at today’s convention at the Los Angeles Airport Hilton. He’s not there as a scheduled guest, but was visiting former colleague Shane Helms.

    source: PWInsider.com

  • Jim Ross Previews The Royal Rumble: Major Surprises

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com. In this update, Ross gives an in-depth preview of Sunday’s WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view. Here’s what he wrote about the event:

    “The Royal Rumble is a vitally important PPV for WWE in that there is tremendous pressure to deliver a strong show and kick off the promotional road to Wrestlemania in a significant, thought provoking and memorable way.

    Because of increasing the Rumble match from 30 to 40 men largely for the ability to promote Sunday’s event as ‘the biggest Royal Rumble match ever’ it obviously spreads the incumbent, established star power thinner. That means that younger talents who seek stardom need to bring their A+ games Sunday and maximize their in ring minutes.

    For many, participating in this match this will be the most significant opportunity that they have had to shine, launch themselves, create awareness for their skill set, etc. I’m sure that we will get feedback on this site that it’s all about the creative process and the subsequent minutes that the talents are allotted but I am of the belief that great talents or talents who want to be great have the ability use their minutes to  maximum effectiveness.

    I am very interested to see who ‘stands out’ during the Rumble match, who turns heads, and who comes out of the marathon bout better than they were when they entered the ring.

    The opportunity to surprise and perhaps even shock the fan base is there and I certainly am of the belief that  surprises and unpredictable moments will be the order of the day in the Rumble match Sunday.

    In many ways, this year’s Royal Rumble is more intriguing to me than several others in years past when the talent depth wasn’t such a talked about issue. I just have a feeling that multiple talents will have an opportunity to distinguish themselves throughout this 40 man match even though there will likely be only one winner based on historic precedent.”

  • Booker T Cancels Weekend Appearances, Royal Rumble Sells Out

    — Six-time world champion Booker T has canceled his scheduled appearance at this weekend’s New Orleans Comic Con at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

    Regarding a surprise appearance at Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view, he was in discussions with World Wrestling Entertainment officials a few weeks ago regarding a potential return.

    — This Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts is sold out. Complementary tickets for the event are hard to come by and scalpers have reportedly unloaded their share.

    — The Bellas Twins made numerous media appearances today in Atlanta, Georgia promoting Wrestlemania XXVII.

    source: PWInsider.com

  • DDP Hosting WWE’s Nitro DVD, Jim Ross News & More

    – Former WCW World Champion Diamond Dallas Page confirmed on Twitter on Thursday that he will be hosting WWE’s Best of WCW Nitro DVD, set to be released in a few months: DDP wrote:

    “IT’s Official! I will Host “The BEST OF NITRO”! This a Great thing for the WCW/NWO/WWE fans! Plus a Great way for DDP to return to the WWE!”

    – Ross also wrote that he will be the special referee for the event at the RAW live event in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on March 13th. The match will feature WWE champion The Miz defending against Randy Orton. In a recent blog post, Ross answered a fan question about him becoming a fulltime WWE referee, to which he responded:

    “Not expected to be refereeing many matches going forward. Nothing is scheduled. However, Michael Cole is doing some refereeing I’m told in non televised, main events at TV tapings.”

    – Ross also said on Twitter that once the WWE DVD on Hall of Famer Gorgeous George is done and released, they will then begin working on the WWE Studios movie on his life.

    – Sean “X-Pac” Waltman will be hanging out with fans during a WWE Royal Rumble viewing party at The Dawg House at the Mardi Gras Casino in Hallandale Beach, Florida. The party begins this Sunday at 7pm before the Rumble begins. Call 954-924-3200 for more information.

  • Scott Hall Talk About His Health, 9 Times In Rehab

    Former WWE and WCW star Scott Hall was recently interviewed The Miami Herald and said he’s heading back to the Menninger Clinic in Houston for treatment. Here are some highlights of what Hall said about:

    Going Back To Rehab & Mental Illness “This place is really cool because it’s a psychiatric hospital. A lot the people there don’t have drug and alcohol stuff. Mental illness is real, and I got them. I don’t know if it’s the multiple concussions or the lifestyle choices…I’m going to a place where they can help me.”

    His health: “I recently had this pacemaker/defibrillator put in my heart. We have bad hearts in my family genetically. My lifestyle contributed to it, too. I made some bad decisions and some bad choices. If you dance with the devil, you got to pay the price.”

    Training Former WWE star Ricky Ortiz: “This is my first student ever. People ask why I don’t open a wrestling school. I tell them that I’m not just going to take anybody’s money, if they can’t handle it. If I don’t think you are going to be a big star, I’m not going to try to hurt anybody’s feelings, but I’m not going to waste my time. So I got this cat [Young]. He doesn’t drink or do drugs. He is very positive. He is like the young me.”

    His Trips To Rehab: “I have been to about nine rehabs. They were high dollar and some of the best ones around. [WWE Chairman] Vince [McMahon] has picked up the tab the last couple of times. If you ever work or worked for WWE, if you ever need help, he will give it to you. He is really cool. Thank Vince, his wife Linda, [daughter] Stephanie, [son] Shane and Paul [Levesque/Triple H]. Thank you for helping me. It’s hard to ask for help. It’s even harder to accept it, when people offer it.”

  • Miz Talks About The WWE Locker Room, His Influences

    WWE Champion The Miz was recently interviewed by Frian Fritz of Fanhouse.com to promote Sunday’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. Here are some highlights:

    You’ve told the story before about when you first came to the WWE that there were various people in the locker room who were not very supportive of you. What is the locker room like now when it comes to you and where you are at this point of your career?

    The locker room is great now. It’s completely different because a lot of those veterans are gone, that old school mentality is kind of gone and it’s a whole new school kind of attitude and feel. It’s fresh, it’s new, it’s exciting and the locker room is pretty good. I mean, obviously, you still have a couple of jealous, wandering eyes who see me and see that I have the title. Obviously, everybody wants that. Everybody wants my spot so I have a target on my back which is fine. I’m more than willing to have a target on my back. The fact is, you’re going to miss every time because I’m still going to be the WWE Champion for a very long time.

    Do you think we’ll ever see a day when the two world titles are unified?

    “I don’t know. People have asked me that. Will they ever be unified? I don’t know if they ever will be. I think it would be a cool thing to happen at WrestleMania, to have a unification of the World Heavyweight and WWE Championship. But who knows whenever that will happen or even if it will.”

    Have there been any particular guys in the WWE that have helped influence you? For me, I think I see some characteristics in you from Chris Jericho and various things he did. Did he influence you or was there anyone else that did?

    “Yeah, I still talk to Jericho a lot. When he came back that last time, that really influenced me a lot as well as Shawn Michaels. I’ve always been a big fan of The Rock. Those guys kind of influenced me as well as working with John Cena. Last year, I had a whole program with John Cena. Working with him taught me a lot at what I had to get, where I had to go to become a top talent in the WWE and become a main evener.”

  • *SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Tonight

    WWE taped this week’s Smackdown tonight from the US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio. Below are full results:

    Smackdown (Airing Friday on SyFy):

    * The show opens with footage of what happened with The Corre on last week’s show.

    * Vickie Guerrero comes out to massive heat. Randy Orton comes out to confront her and later Dolph Ziggler. They promote their upcoming tag team match for later tonight

    * LayCool come out and are attacked by Kelly Kelly and Kaitlyn. This leads to LayCool over Kelly Kelly & Kaitlyn.

    * Drew McIntyre vs. JTG with Kelly Kelly on commentary. Winner after hitting the Future Shock DDT, Drew McIntyre. After the match, Kelly Kelly gets in the ring but McIntyre brushes her off.

    * Backstage, “Dashing” Cody Rhodes will not show his face because he says Rey Mysterio broke his nose. He says he’ll be unable to compete in the Royal Rumble.

    * Backstage, World Heavyweight Champion Edge is interviewed about The Corre and tonight’s main event.

    * Alberto Del Rio comes out in a convertible Mercedes Benz and is announced by Ricardo Rodriguez. It’s time for a top rope challenge. Del Rio throws out two unidentified jobbers and out comes Kane. Kofi Kingston is the next competitor out and he eliminates both Kane and Del Rio.

    * This somehow leads to Rey Mysterio and Kofi Kingston fighting Alberto Del Rio and Kane. Vickie Guerrero comes out and declares it an official tag team match. Mid-way through the match Kane took out Del Rio and left him. Mysterio hits 619 on him and Kingston hits Trouble in Paradise to seal the victory.

    * Big Show cuts a promo but The Corre come out in new t-shirts. This leads to Show vs. Heath Slater. Show makes easy work of him, hitting a chokeslam and getting the three count. After the match, Ezekiel Jackson and The Corre take out Big Show. Babyfaces from Raw and Smackdown come out and make the save. The Corree is ran off by Santino Marella, Vladimir Kozlov, Daniel Bryan, Chris Masters and R-Truth.

    * WWE Champion The Miz w/Alex Riley & Dolph Ziggler w/Vickie Guerrero vs. World Heavyweight Champion Edge & Randy Orton. Winners after Edge hit a Spear on Dolph Zigger, Edge & Randy Orton. After the match Vickie Guerrero gets on the mic and says from this point forward the spear is banned. If Edge uses it at Royal Rumble on Sunday, the World Heavyweight Championship will go to Dolph Ziggler. Edge’s music hits the end the show.

    (Credit to Wrestling News World for these results)

  • Surprises Planned For The Rumble, Diva Search Update, More

    — Two ‘legends’ are reportedly scheduled for Sunday’s 40-Man Royal Rumble Match. Another wrestler that would be considered a surprise is also set to appear.

    — It was disclosed at a WWE-sponsored web conference yesterday that the Diva Search competition would be brought back to company programming. The concept will reportedly be similar to NXT as the contestants would be mentored by WWE Divas. Additionally, it is said that company officials will make a concentrated effort to recruit female talent from the independent wrestling scene.

    — Former WWE Champion Shawn Michaels has been nominated for a Shorty.com Award in the sports category, which honors the best producers of short real time content (on Twitter).

    — For weekend live events, the Raw tour saw Friday’s show in Trenton, NJ draw 6,500 paying $189,000. Saturday in State College, PA, drew 4,200 paying $120,000. Sunday in Youngstown, OH, drew 5,400 paying $170,000. Monday’s Raw in Detroit drew 9,000. The SmackDown events saw Saturday’s show in Kalamazoo, MI draw 4,400 and $128,000 and Sunday’s show in Hammond, IN drew 3,300 pay $98,000.