SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • JR Blog: Miz Hosting TMZ TV, Mysterio’s Popularity, Goldust

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com Here are some highlights of what JR said about:

    The Miz Hosting TMZ TV: “WWE Champ The Miz gets a shot on TMZ later today (Wednesday) which he will no doubt knock it out of the park. Miz was tremendous on the Food Network cooking show, ‘Dinner Impossible,’ that we did a year ago at Summer Slam. He stole that show with ease and will like do the same on TMZ TV later today. Miz is a work in progress and it should be encouraging for WWE fans of just how good Miz can become in time if he stays healthy and focused on becoming the best antagonist in the biz.”

    Goldust’s Injury: “Sorry to hear of Goldust’s rotator cuff injury that will apparently require surgery. This is usually a 5-6 month recovery period. Don’t forget about Goldust’s biography that would make a good stocking stuffer and should be interesting reading. He’s had a helluva life for such a young man. Hate to see anyone hurt, especially someone who has worked so hard to become relevant again. Last time I saw Goldust he was in, without question, the best physical shape of his life. Some day Goldust will likely be a great coach/teacher of the biz.”

    Rey Mysterio’s Popularity: “An emailer asked me why Rey Mysterio has become so popular while many of his fellow Lucha Libra stars did not become bigger in the USA. Firstly, Rey has ‘it’ and ‘it’ can’t be manufactured. Rey also throughly understands all the ins and outs of the biz after starting in it when he was 14 or 15 years old. Rey also understands that ‘less is more’ and that doing 2-3 spectacular maneuvers in a match or a sequence is always better than doing a half dozen or more of them in such quick fashion that the majority of the eye opening maneuvers can’t be processed or remembered minutes after they are completed.”

  • Update On Tough Enough Plans, Santa’s Little Helper Match Set

    — WWE officials paid a visit to the company’s Tampa based developmental facility this week interviewing contracted talent about participating in the revival of Tough Enough on the USA Network. Previous seasons of the program solely featured unsigned talent.

    The casting process is expected to conclude next month with the series likely debuting in the spring.

    — Natalya noted on Twitter that a Santa’s Little Helper Match will take place at Tribute to the Troops, which is being taped this Saturday in Fort Hood, Texas.

    She wrote, “Looking for a santas helper outfit for tribute to the troops- but santa’s helpers aren’t as built in the front and the back as this one!”

    — The NFL’s Tennessee Titans are preparing to oppose WWE’s registration of the trademark ‘Titantron’.

    source: PWInsider.com

  • Diva Expected To Turn Heel, Creative Writes Plans For Top Stars

    — Current creative plans call for Melina to turn heel and feud with Divas Champion Natalya. It’s expected to be a slow turn. The idea was first conceived a few weeks ago and it said that Melina garnered heat because she was negative about going bad.

    Meanwhile, a renewed on-screen relationship with John Morrison which was recently teased on Monday Night Raw is considered a dead idea.

    — Creative has devised long-term storyline plans for Randy Orton, The Miz, Sheamus, Edge, John Cena and The Nexus through February.

    — The pre-sale code for the Jan. 31 Monday Night Raw taping at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island is ORTON. Tickets for the pre-sale are on sale now through Friday morning via Ticketmaster.com.

    sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, PWInsider.com

  • Update On Goldberg’s Negotiations With WWE, Cole Turns 42

    — Discussions between Bill Goldberg and WWE officials regarding induction into next year’s Hall of Fame class in Atlanta, Georgia are said to be cold at this point. (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    — Today is WWE play-by-play commentator Michael Cole’s birthday, who turns 42 years old.

    — WWE Monday Night Raw on Feb. 28, 2011 will be held at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York. Tickets go on sale Dec. 18, 2010. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

  • HHH’s Return Date Set, Tag Team’s Call-up Nixed Due To Injury

    — Tentative plans call for Triple H to return next month at the Royal Rumble for a match with Sheamus.

    — It is said that Wes Brisco and Xavier Woods were tapped to be called up to the main roster fairly soon before Brisco tore his ACL at a FCW live event last month in Punta Gorda.

    — According to video game industry sources, sales for Smackdown vs Raw 2011 are at the same level as last year, which would be considered a major positive considering that sales throughout the industry are down. It’s also a positive because sales for the game were down the past two years.

    source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • Miz Hosting TMZ TV Today, Jericho Book Signings & More

    – WWE Champion The Miz is hosting today’s episode of the syndicated entertainment gossip program TMZ on TV. Check your local listings for time and channel.

    – Chris Jericho will be signing copies of Undisputed: How to Become the World Champion in 1,372 Easy Steps on the day of its release, Feb. 16, at Borders Books on Broadway in New York City. A book signing is also set for Borders in Torrace, California on Feb. 22. Additional dates will be announced.

    – Randy Orton is featured on the cover of the latest issue of WWE Kids Magazine.

  • New Pictures Of Juan Cena & An Update On His Future

    In recent weeks we’ve been covering the story that WWE is testing a new masked character for John Cena, his “Mexican cousin,” Juan Cena. Juan Cena has been competing at live WWE events, wrestling in main events against The Miz, Wade Barrett and Kane.

    This past weekend, Juan Cena wrestled at live events in Kentucky and Tennesse, challenging Kane in the main events .. Both matches ended with Nexus storming the ring, attacking Cena and removing his mask – only to have Cena fight back and send Nexus running.

    From what we’ve heard, WWE is still testing out the character and there are no immediate plans to introduce him as an on-air character. However, fans who attend live events in the coming months have a good chance of seeing Juan Cena.

    SEScoops.com reader Rusty Richardson sent some new pictures of Juan Cena from this past weekend .. Check ’em out below:

  • *SPOILERS* WWE SmackDown Tapings Results For Friday

    WWE SmackDown on Syfy

    WWE taped Friday’s episode of Smackdown from the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio. Credit to Wrestling News World for this detailed report:

    * The show opens with World Heavyweight Champion Kane begging Edge to surrender Paul Bearer. Edge is shown on the big screen and tricks him with another dummy version of Bearer.

    * They plug the main event of World Heavyweight Champion Kane & Alberto Del Rio vs. Edge & Rey Mysterio.

    * Jack Swagger b. Kaval when Kaval submitted in the ankle lock. Kaval may have suffered a legitimate leg injury in the bout. After the match, Swagger says he was cheated last week by Kofi Kingston.

    * Hornswoggle b. Jack Swagger’s eagle mascot. The match saw Hornswoggle throw brad crumbs on the mat to distract the eagle. He landed a Tadpole Splash and got the pinfall victory.

    * A segment is taped where Chavo Guerrero and a partner of his choosing challenge Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov for the WWE Tag Team Championship later tonight.

    * Kofi Kingston b. WWE Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler via disqualification when Jack Swagger pulled Kofi out of the ring and locked him in the ankle lock.

    * Chris Masters comes out for the Masterlock Challenge against “Dashing” Cody Rhodes. Cody makes Masters put on hand sanitizer and file his nails. He tries to leave when Masters grabs his face but Masters put him in the Masterlock.

    * WWE Tag Team Champions Santino Marella & Vladimir Kozlov b. Chavo Guerrero & Drew McIntyre. Santino connected with the cobra on Chavo and followed it with the pinfall victory. After the match, Drew McIntyre hits Chavo with a DDT.

    * WWE Divas Champion Natalya w/Beth Phoenix b. Layla w/Michelle McCool after making her tap in the Sharpshooter.

    * World Heavyweight Champion Kane didn’t come out for the main event so Teddy Long came out and made the match Alberto Del Rio vs. Rey Mysterio & Edge in a handicap match. Kane came out mid-way through the match and Edge met him at the ramp and they fought to the back. Kane is shown on the big screen chasing after Edge. Kane pushes a ladder off a cliff thinking it’s another Paul Bearer dummy but it’s actually Paul Bearer. Rey ended up beating Alberto Del Rio to end the show.

  • More Verbal Attacks From Shane Helms Against HBK

    … and the war of words between former WWE superstars Shane Helms and Shawn Michaels continues.

    If you haven’t been following this story, you can catch up here:

    Once again, Helms has gone on Twitter and essentially called Michaels a hypocrite for claiming to be a devout Christian while still “murdering animals” and hanging their heads on his wall (ie. hunting). Helms wrote:

    “I think I might go murder some animals for fun and hang their heads on my wall cuz that’s what Jesus would do. Right @ShawnMichaels_ ?”

    Check Out: Pictures of Shawn Michaels Hunting: See All The Animals He Killed

    Once again, HBK was prompted by his Twitter followers to respond to Helms’ remarks. Like last time, Michaels takes a cool, laid back approach and signs off with another smiley face..

    “Jus got bak. Wow u guys r fired up! Sorry u have 2 deal w/it. Don’t worry, I don’t. Comes w/the territory. have zero desire 2 do the internet stuff other than corresponding w/u. U can make ur own decisions & I will respect them. May I now return to having fun w/ u all please. Life is 2 short 4 me 2 go thru High school again:-) “

    Our readers have been very vocal about this topic on the SEScoops comments section … Comment below and let us know what you think about the situation – does Helms have a point attacking HBK – or is he way out of line by judging his religious faith?

  • *Spoiler* Mysterio vs. Del Rio Stiulation Revealed For TLC

    Warning: The following contains a minor *Spoiler* for Friday’s SmackDown

    At Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings, it was announced that the Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio match at the upcoming Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view will be a Chairs match.

    With that match set, here’s the updated card:

    Tables Match for the WWE Title
    The Miz (c) vs. Randy Orton

    TLC Match for the World Heavyweight Title
    Kane (c) vs. Edge

    Chairs Match:
    Alberto Del Rio vs. Rey Mysterio

    WWE’s Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view event takes place in less than two weeks on Sunday, December 19th.

    • COMMENT BELOW: What do you guys think – are you excited for this show? Is WWE going to close out 2010 with a bang – or is this just another 2nd tier gimmick show?

  • Goldust Sidelined For Several Months, Superstars Matches Taped

    — Goldust announced on his Twitter account this evening that he will be sidelined for “five to six months” after undergoing shoulder surgery Friday.

    — Two additional matches were taped for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars tonight at the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio: Tyler Reks vs. JTG; Trent Barreta vs. Curt Hawkins.

    Matches taped last night at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky were Eve vs. Alicia Fox and Zack Ryder vs. Ezekiel Jackson.

    — Today is former WWE Diva Sunny’s birthday, who turns 38 years old. Today would have also marked as “Ravishing” Rick Rude’s 52nd birthday.

    source: PWInsider.com

  • Monday’s Raw Rating, Tyler Black Works Dark Match, NXT Main

    — The Dec. 6 episode of Monday Night Raw drew a 3.1 cable rating, drawing 4,800,000 viewers over the course of two hours. The show did hours of 3.0 and 3.29.

    Last week’s King of the Ring themed show garnered a 3.4 cable rating during its regular time slot.

    — WWE developmental wrestler Seth Rollins (a/k/a Tyler Black) worked a dark match prior to tonight’s SmackDown taping in Dayton, Ohio. He lost to Cody Rhodes.

    — Tonight’s NXT main event will feature Alberto Del Rio and Conor O’Brian vs. Daniel Bryan and Derrick Bateman.

    source: PWInsider.com

  • Update On Triple H’s Return, Former WWE Diva Returning To ROH

    — The latest word on Triple H is that he is not expected to return to WWE programming until January at the earliest.

    He has been sidelined since April due a torn biceps tendon.

    — The Dec. 4 episode of A.M. Raw scored a 0.31 cable rating, with 363,000 viewers.

    — Former WWE Diva Serena is advertised to return to Ring of Honor on Saturday, Dec. 18 at the company’s Final Battle 2010 internet pay-per-view event. She will be teaming with Sara Del Rey against Awesome Kong and Daizee Haze in a tag match.

    sources: F4WOnline.com, PWInsider.com

  • Goldust Needs Surgery, Mayweather Charged With Battery

    — Goldust announced on Twitter that he will be undergoing surgery to repair his injured shoulder. He wrote:

    “Unfortunately, I have to have surgery…out for some time.”

    — USA Network president and WWE ally Bonnie Hammer took the number three spot in The Hollywood Reporter’s Women In Entertainment Power 100 list, beating out Oprah Winfrey, who took 4th. You can check that list out at HollywoodReporter.com.

    — Former WrestleMania celebrity and boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been charged with criminal battery after poking his finger on a man’s face, according to TMZ.com. Security officer Shayne Smith alleges that he got into a verbal dispute with Floyd Mayweather, who got physical with him and left a bruise on his cheek.

    “The willful and unlawful use of force and violence upon Smith caused redness and discoloration to the area which was battered by Mayweather,” reads the complaint. For more details, visit TMZ.com.

    — Former WWE developmental star Flash Flanagan played the role of the waiter in the John Cena and Nexus hotel scene on Monday’s RAW. He currently works on the indy scene.

  • Update On The Future Of NXT, Two New WWE DVD Sets Planned

    — WWE officials are looking to hold a fifth season of NXT, which is why the company’s top developmental talent were held off the new season premiering tonight on WWE.com. Officials are hopeful that the program will find a home on U.S. television.

    — WWE returns to the Vector Arena in Auckland, New Zealand on July 6, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale January 28, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

    — According to WWEDVDNews.com, a “Best of SmackDown” 2010/2011 DVD set is scheduled to be released in late 2011.

    A DVD and Blu-ray set examining the rivalry between “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and The Rock is also on tap for the end of next year.

    source: f4wonline.com

  • Update: Shawn Michaels Responds To Shane Helms’ Attack

    After calling Shawn Michaels one of the biggest drug abusers and hypocrites in the history of pro wrestling and a “cock-eyed cross-eyed piece of sh**”, former WWE star Shane Helms is back with some more words for the Heartbreak Kid.

    Helms wrote on Twitter this week:

    “I wonder if I backstab a  bunch of people and hurt careers & families and slaughter animals for fun but then pray on stage, that make it ok? Just wondering? :-) But  enough about that hypocrite, I’m home after a great but hard working  tour and got to catch up on my DVR’s.”

    Shawn Michaels has issued his first comments regarding Helms’ verbal attack, responded to his fans on Twitter who asked if he’s heard what Helms said about him. Michaels wrote:

    “From u all I hav. Verbal attack? Wow pretty  scary. Thoughts? Sticks & stones I guess? :-)”

  • Shane Helms Launches Scathing Attack Against Shawn Michaels

    Former WWE star Shane “Hurricane” Helms has made some pretty shocking allegations about Shawn Michaels, saying he’s one of the biggest drug abusers and hypocrites in the history of pro wrestling and calling him a “cock-eyed cross-eyed piece of sh**.

    On the latest episode of  his weekly “Highway 2 Helms” online video show, Helms’ co-host Marty Gardner him who his least favorite wrestler of all-time is. Helms did not hesitate to name Shawn Michaels.

    Helms stated that Michaels was one of his idols growing up, but “he really let me down as a person” when he got to work with him in WWE.

    Helms then took the gloves off and tore into Michaels, calling him “the biggest hypocrite in the business” and claiming “his whole religious gimmick is a f***ing work.”

    Helms said that he can’t deny Michaels is one of the best WWE performers of all time and his matches WrestleMania matches with The Undertaker were classics – but as a person, Michaels is a “cock-eyed cross-eyed piece of sh**.

    Helms then told a story about being so angry at Michaels at a show last year that he wanted to attack him – even if he’d lose his job over it.  Michaels was having an argument with Chris Jericho backstage, with Michaels yelling loudly at Jericho. Helms did not say what the argument was about, but said he sided with Jericho in the situation.

    Helms went on to say Michaels is “one of the biggest drug users in the history of the business…who has snorted more coke and done more steroids” than anybody else in wrestling. Yikes!

    UPDATE: Shawn Michaels Responds & Helms Talks More Trash

    The episode can be viewed below .. As a warning – the show contains language that may be offensive to some.


    Watch live video from GeekWeek on Justin.tv

  • Tyson Kidd’s New Bodyguard, New WWE Tag Champs & More

    — On Monday’s RAW, Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov captured the WWE tag team championships in a Fatal Fourway match. The finish came after John Cena distracted the Nexus members, allowing Santino to hit his Cobra finisher and get the pin.

    — Also on RAW, we saw the debut of Tyson Kidd’s new (huge) bodyguard, former developmental star Jackson Andrews. Andrews has been billed at over 7 feet tall in FCW and has been working live WWE events in recent weeks.

    From what we’ve heard, WWE was very happy with Kidd’s match with DH Smith on last week’s Superstars and their rematch on RAW where Jackson Andrews was introduced. Kidd getting a new bodyguard is a good indication that WWE is behind his character.

    — SEScoops.com news correspondent Devin Cutting has sent in word that WWE will be touring Australia and New Zealand next summer. Here are the dates & locations for WWE’s summer 2011 “down under” tour:

    * July 1st – Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia
    * July 2nd – Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia
    * July 3rd – Burswood Dome in Perth, Australia
    * July 4th – Entertainment Centre in Adelaide, Australia
    * July 5th – Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Australia
    * July 6th – Vector Arena in Auckland, New Zealand

    Tickets for these shows go on sale on January 28t at 9 AM.

  • JR Blog: MVP’s Release, Helms Blasting HBK & More

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com Here are some highlights of what Jim Ross had to say about:

    Helms’ Verbal Attack On Shawn Michaels: “I’m not getting involved in that matter nor am I commenting on it. You would be amazed at how many people have asked me my thoughts on this subject of which I have none.”

    Jack Swagger vs. Kofi Kingston: “Saw a short clip of Kofi-Swagger from Smackdown Friday Night. These two hungry, athletic young men have chemistry without question. Next to Lawler’s show stealing performance with Miz last Monday on Raw, IMO, once again, Swagger-Kofi was the best WWE, TV match on the air last week.”

    MVP’s WWE Release: “MVP requested his WWE release to explore other options as I understand it. I personally like MVP and have always enjoyed our relationship. He’s a talented guy who has endured and overcome some major league challenges in his life. MVP’s life might make for a good movie as a matter of fact. I always preferred the antagonist MVP better than the fan favorite MVP but that’s merely a personal preference. The guy is a survivor and he will perceiver and be just fine. Being off the road during the holidays isn’t a bad thing and it gives him time to assess what he wants to do. We had some particularly fun conversations when Oklahoma had their home and home college football series with MVP’s fav team, ‘The U.’ ”

    Visit JRsBarBQ.com for Jim Ross’ great line of BBQ products.

  • NXT Season 4 Premiere Tonight, SmackDown Main Event

    WWE will tape tonight’s NXT 4 season premiere and this week’s Friday Night SmackDown from the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio.

    – As announced on RAW, the main event of Friday’s SmackDown’s main event will see Edge team with Rey Mysterio to take on World heavyweight champion Kane and Alberto Del Rio.

    – SmackDown star the Big Show will be signing copies of his new DVD movie Knucklehead at the Nutter Center arena following the tapings.

    – Josh Matthews joined the announcer’s table on Monday’s RAW after Michael Cole was on the receiving end of an RKO at the hands of Randy Orton. According to a source, Matthews was being evaluated last night and is rumored to be replacing Todd Grisham as the lead announcer on SmackDown. Grisham is expected to be replaced very soon.

    – Last week’s 12/3 episode of WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown scored a 1.71 cable rating and averaged 2,617,000 viewers.

  • What You Didn’t See On RAW: Dark Matches & More

    In a dark match that took place prior to Monday’s WWE RAW, former NXT star Percy Watson defeated Primo Colon. WWE also taped these matches prior to RAW for this week’s Superstars show:

    * Ezekiel Jackson vs. Zack Ryder

    * Eve Torres vs. Alicia Fox

    SEScoops.com reader Mike sent in this live report of what happened after Monday’s WWE RAW went off the air:

    “After last night’s Raw went off the air, The Miz retained the WWE Title against Wade Barrett and Randy Orton. The end saw Barrett and Miz double team Orton. It was a good match with offense from everyone.

    Barrett went for Wasteland but Orton turned it into an RKO. Randy pinned Barrett but Orton pulled him out and stole the pin. Miz attacked Orton after the match and swung the belt at him. Orton ducked and hit the RKO to end the show.”

  • RAW Preview & Orton Says He’ll Be There, Mysterio-Del Rio

    – Tonight’s episode of WWE’s Monday NIght RAW will take place from the KFC YUM! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. WWE has been hyping tonight’s show as Sheamus’ first night as the King of the Ring and Michael Cole will explain his actions from last week.

    The Miz vs. Wade Barrett vs. Randy Orton is being advertised as the dark match main event.

    – Speaking of Randy Orton, the former WWE champion wrote on Twitter that he’ll be at RAW tonight and “has something” for The Miz. Orton is expected to challenge Miz for the WWE title at TLC later this month.

    Orton missed last week’s show and several live events last week due to a legit knee injury he suffered at the hands of Nexus on the 11/22 Raw from Orlando.

    – No stipulation has been announced for the upcoming upcoming Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio match at the upcoming TLC PPV. The WWE website is teasing that the match will feature either tables, ladders or chairs.

  • Juan Cena Returns, Tiffany Hyping Huge Projects & More

    – John Cena’s Mexican cousin Juan returned to action this weekend at the RAW live event in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The masked superstar defeated World Heavyweight champion Kane by disqualification after Nexus came down and attacked him. After Nexus took Cena’s mask off, he fought back and sent them running away to end the show.

    – A few SEScoops readers have sent in emails asking who Twitter user @HeaterMC is, as several WWE superstars have been referencing HeaterMC in their recent tweets. We can confirm that HeaterMC is Mark Carrano, one of the top people in charge of WWE’s developmental system. He also works in the Talent Relations department under John Laurinaitis.

    – Former WWE Diva Tiffany says she’s excited about a few new projects she has in the works. She recently wrote on Twitter:

    “I have 2 huge projects coming up! Can’t wait to tell everyone about them! Hurry up 2011!”

  • Juan Cena Update, Stephanie On Maternity Leave, Del Rio News

    — Despite reports that Juan Cena had been pulled from advertising for upcoming select shows, the Mexican cousin of John Cena worked last night’s WWE Supershow event in Jackson, Tennessee. He beat World Heavyweight Champion Kane by disqualification when The Nexus attacked the masked grappler.

    — Stephanie McMahon is still out on maternity leave after giving birth to her third child in August. WWE Champion The Miz noted in an interview last week with Bill Simmons for WWE.com that he had not seen her backstage at television tapings in a while.

    — Alberto Del Rio’s personal ring announcer, Ricardo Rodriguez donned a mask at Thursday night’s Florida Championship Wrestling live event in Tampa. He worked under the name Chimaera, a masked identity he has used in the independent scene since 2006

    .– Recently released WWE star Shad Gaspard is accepting independent bookings via BKBEAST@ymail.com.

  • Update On Stephanie McMahon, Juan Cena Character Continues

    — Stephanie McMahon is still out on maternity leave after giving birth to her third child in August.

    WWE Champion The Miz noted in an interview last week with Bill Simmons for WWE.com that he had not seen her backstage at television tapings in a while.

    — Despite reports that Juan Cena had been pulled from advertising for upcoming select shows, the Mexican cousin of John Cena worked last night’s WWE Supershow event in Jackson, Tennessee. He beat World Heavyweight Champion Kane by disqualification when The Nexus attacked the masked grappler.

    — Recently released WWE star Shad Gaspard is accepting independent bookings via BKBEAST@ymail.com.