SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Beth Phoenix Returns To The Ring, Developmental Talent Appear

    — Beth Phoenix worked her first match in several months at last night’s WWE Supershow event in Jackson, Tennessee. She and Melina defeated Maryse and Alicia Fox in a tag team match.

    “The Glamazon” had not worked a match since losing the Women’s Championship to Lay-Cool in a two-on-one handicap match on May 11. She tore her ACL in a match against Rosa Mendes the week before, resulting in the title switch.

    She returned from injury two weeks ago at the Survivor Series to fend off Michelle McCool and Layla, who had attacked Natalya.

    — The WWE Supershow also featured two developmental talents in action as Jackson Andrews beat JTG while Mason Ryan lost to William Regal.

    source: PWInsider.com

  • ‘Chavo Classic’ Comments On WWE Signing Eddie’s Daughter

    Chavo “Classic” Guerrero, Sr. gave his thoughts on WWE signing the 20-year-old daughter of the late Eddie Guerrero, Shaul Marie Guerrero, to a developmental contract.

    “My dad never approved of women wrestlers,” he told Monday Night Mayhem. “Put it this way: Shaul is going to be the first Guerrero woman to get into the business. If I thought like before, if I thought like the way my father thought, I would be not really too much into the idea, but times change. If that’s what my niece wants to do, then I have the full support of her. I appreciate the WWE taking her in, and giving her the opportunity, and paying her to train, which is even better. It’s going to be up to her to get better and better everyday.”

  • Reason For MVP Asking To Be Released, Update On Batista, More

    — Regarding MVP’s departure from WWE last Thursday, those close to the situation say he asked for his release from the company so that it would not occur during a future talent purge. (source: f4wonline.com)

    — Mania.com reports that former WWE Champion Batista is among the cast of The Scorpion King 3, which is currently being filmed in Thailand. He is playing a character named Agromael

    The title is slated for release on DVD in early 2012.

    — Joey Styles noted on Twitter that if he ever announced again, it would strictly be MMA.

    “I don’t miss broadcasting WWE,” he wrote. “If I ever announce again, it will only be for MMA; nothing competitive to WWE. I love WWE.COM.”

    He also noted that he despised WWE’s version of ECW and that his announcing career should have been concluded after the 2005 One Night Stand pay-per-view.

  • WWE Stars Pay Tribute To U.S. Troops, New FCW Tag Champs

    — Video has surfaced online of Vince McMahon, Big Show, Kelly Kelly and Eve Torres visiting U.S. troops stationed in Kandaha, Afghanistan. McMahon is briefly interviewed, as he discusses WWE’s annual visit overseas.

    The video can be accessed here.

    Eve Torres noted of the trip on Twitter: “What a truly amazing trip. A strong reminder of how much I appreciate our country & our daily luxuries (like indoor toilets!) Thnk u troops!”

    — Due to an injury suffered by Wes Brisco at the Nov. 20 Florida Championship Wrestling live event in Punta Gorda, he and Xavier Woods were stripped of the FCW Tag Team Championship Thursday. Titus O’Neil and Damien Sandow were determined as the new champions the following night in Plant City, Florida.

  • Michaels Comments On Troops Event, Friends Remember Umaga

    — Shawn Michaels says he will be on hand for WWE’s annual Tribute to the Troops event, which takes place next Saturday in Fort Hood, Texas and airs the subsequent Saturday on NBC.

    “I will be at the Tribute to the Troops show,” he wrote on Twitter. “However not performing or anything. I’m just there to visit & pay respect 2 the troops.”

    — Friends of Edward Fatu (a/k/a Umaga) have been posting messages today on Twitter acknowledging the one-year anniversary of his passing.

    “Tonight in Houston, we gather with the Fatu’s and friends to celebrate Eki’s life,” wrote former WWE talent Charlie Haas. “We miss you and will always remember you, USO.”

    Umaga’s former manager Armando Estrada wrote, “RIP Eddie Fatu, aka Umaga. Can’t believe it’s been a year. Miss ya, big Uce.” Jeff Hardy added, “Umaga, I miss and love ya, my brother.”

    Fatu’s cause of death was ruled as acute toxicity due to combined effects of hydrocodone, carisoprodol, and diazepam.

  • Jillian Says She Asked To Be Released, SmackDown Acquires Diva

    — Jillian Hall revealed last night on her Twitter account that she asked to be released from World Wrestling Entertainment a few times before it ultimately occurred.

    “Many don’t know the truth about my release, but the truth is I asked for my release a couple times before I actually was officially released,” she wrote. “No hard feelings towards WWE. This is just where I am in my life right now.”

    — Kaitlyn appeared in a backstage segment with Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler on last night’s episode of SmackDown and revealed that SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long had signed her to the brand following her victory of NXT.

    She is now listed as a SmackDown Superstar on WWE.com.

    — This week’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America scored a 0.52 cable rating, with 472,000 viewers. The replay did a 0.15 rating, with 137,000 viewers. (source: PWInsider.com)

  • Matches Announced For WWE TLC, FCW Star Not Ready For NXT

    — Edge’s victory over Kane in a non-title match on last night’s SmackDown gave “The Ultimate Opportunist” the right to choose the stipulation of their World Title match at WWE TLC. He chose his “specialty,” a Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match.

    Also announced for the show is Rey Mysterio vs. Alberto Del Rio. No stipulation has been announced for the bout.

    — WWE developmental wrestler Jackson Andrews, who is billed 7’2″ and 325 pounds, picked up a few victories over Goldust at recent Raw live events. While company officials are high on his size, he had not received good reviews for his in-ring work in developmental.

    Andrews was brought up to work non-televised matches so they could examine him as a potential candidate for the new season of NXT, but he was ultimately deemed not ready and thus not selected as a contestant for the program. (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • Orton Surpasses HBK, SmackDown Star Dons Mask At FCW Event

    — With Randy Orton’s latest WWE title run having concluded, “The Viper” now ranks at No. 10 for most days spent as WWE Champion, surpassing Shawn Michaels with 420. No. 9 would be Randy Savage at 529, Steve Austin at No. 8 with 529, Triple H at No. 7 with 539, and Bret Hart at No. 6 with 654. John Cena is in fifth place with 947, while Pedro Morales ranks at No. 4 with 1,027. The top three spots are Bruno Sammartino (4,040), Hulk Hogan (2,184) and Bob Backlund (2,138).

    — 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.

    – Jim Ross commented on news of MVP’s release from WWE with the following.

    “MVP released 2day from WWE. Good guy who will do well going forward. He’s a survivor,” he wrote on Twitter.

    source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • Juan Cena Pulled From Upcoming Shows, HBK Endorsing Norris

    — New promotional material for upcoming WWE live events no longer advertise Juan Cena as appearing. Edge is being advertised in place of Juan for said shows.

    — Big Show will be signing copies of Knucklehead following this Tuesday’s SmackDown taping at the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio. He is also advertised to appear in Pasadena, Texas on Sunday, Dec. 19 from noon until 2:00 p.m. at FYE #1328 located at 276 Pasadena Town Square.

    — Shawn Michaels has signed a deal to endorse the Chuck Norris Total Gym.

  • SmackDown Star’s Nose Reset, Creative Writers Dismissed, More

    — Tyler Reks noted today on Twitter that a deviated septum he suffered during a match in Turkey has been reset.

    “At least I can breathe now,” he added.

    — It has been confirmed that in addition to Chris DeJoseph, creative team members John Piermini and Dan Matalaga have also parted way with the organization. Piermini left the company on his own a few weeks ago, while Matalaga was released around the same time. (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    — WWE issued a survey Thursday asking fans to give their thoughts on the Survivor Series and how themed pay-per-view events have affected interest in watching them.

  • Shawn Michaels Advertised To Appear At Upcoming WWE Event

    Shawn Michaels, who has not appeared inside a wrestling ring since his emotional farewell speech on the March 29, 2010 episode of Monday Night Raw, is advertised to appear at WWE’s 2010 Tribute to the Troops event, which airs Saturday, December 18 at 9:00 p.m. EST on NBC.

    Other talent advertised for the event include John Cena, Randy Orton, Edge, Rey Mysterio, Wade Barrett, Kane, Big Show, Eve, Kelly Kelly, The Miz and Mark Henry. Celebrities announced for the event are Diddy-Dirty Money, Sherri Shepherd, Cedric “The Entertainer”, Ariel Winter and Miss USA Rima Fakih.

    The event will be held on Saturday, December 11 at Sadowski Field in Fort Hood, Texas. It is free and open to the public. Gates open at 11:30 a.m.

  • Orton Undergoes MRI On Neck, MVP Competing On SmackDown

    — Randy Orton underwent an MRI on his neck this week to determine its issue. It’s the reason he missed Raw and was pulled from upcoming live events. (source: PWInsider.com)

    — Tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown will feature MVP’s final match with WWE as he teams up with Kaval to take on Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre.

    Also scheduled for the broadcast is Kane vs. Edge in a match to determine the stipulation for their encounter at WWE TLC, Jack Swagger vs. Kofi Kingston in an Intercontinental Championship No. 1 Contender’s Match, Cody Rhodes vs. Chris Masters, and Layla vs. Rosa Mendes.

    — A pre-sale for the January 24, 2011 Monday Night Raw event at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan is underway via Ticketmaster.com with the promotional code WWEHOLIDAY.

  • Internal Reaction To MVP’s Departure, Injury Update On Goldust

    — MVP’s departure yesterday from World Wrestling Entertainment isn’t considered much of a surprise among his colleagues as he has discussed leaving the organization for some time. (source: PWInsider.com)

    — Goldust said on Twitter that he underwent an MRI for his shoulder yesterday and will know the severity of the injury on Monday.

    — A Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship between The Miz, Randy Orton and Wade Barrett is advertised to take place at Jan. 24, 2011 Monday Night Raw taping at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan.

  • MVP Released From World Wrestling Entertainment

    The following was posted on WWE.com late this afternoon:

    “World Wrestling Entertainment has come to terms on the release of WWE Superstar MVP as of December 2, 2010. WWE wishes MVP the best in all future endeavors.”

    MVP made his first appearance on the Smackdown brand in 2006 and is perhaps best known for his U.S. title feuds during that time with Chris Benoit and Matt Hardy. He also had a short-lived stint on the Raw brand before being drafted back to Smackdown as part of this year’s Supplemental Draft. He had recently debuted new theme music on TV.

    More on this story as it develops.

    ***UPDATE***
    Based on comments made on his Twitter account, it appears MVP went to WWE and asked for his release, which was granted to him. He has expressed great interest in the past in wrestling in Japan, and more specifically, competing against Masahiro Chono, so it should come as no surprise that he has also made a Twitter comment about “going international” and freshening things up.

  • Orton Pulled From Upcoming Events, Goldust To Appear In Film

    — It has been confirmed that Randy Orton did not attend Monday’s Raw because he is dealing with soreness in his neck. He has been pulled from live events this weekend and next weekend. (source: prowrestling.net)

    — Goldust noted on Twitter that he will appear in a low budget horror film that will begin filming next year.

    He wrote: “Next thanksgiving I will be shooting my first movie….the fire witch …that I will be directing and producing…and will be in it. Just in the starting stages……but will let u know more when more is known. It won’t be a wrestling movie….it is a horror film. It will be a low budget film and my very first……lots of work ahead.”

    — Matches taking place on tonight’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America are David Hart Smith vs. Tyson Kidd, William Regal vs. Darren Young, and Tyler Reks vs. Trent Baretta.

  • Future Plans For Kaitlyn & Naomi, Fan At Raw Forced To Change

    — It is said that the decision for the winner of NXT season three was immaterial because both Kaitlyn and Naomi were going to be kept on the main roster anyway.

    WWE officials like Kaitlyn as a personality, but feel it will be a while before she improves her in-ring work. Meanwhile, Naomi is considered such a good athlete that she raises the bar for other female talents—which some feel could cause resentment from those with more experience but less athletic ability.

    — At the Monday Night Raw taping in Orlando, a fan ringside wearing Hulk Hogan merchandise. Security personnel made him remove almost all of his Hulkster garb, and was given a “Stand Up for WWE” T-shirt to wear.

    — Former WWE Women’s Champion Trish Stratus has launched an online store, which features autographs, magazines, trading cards and more. The shop is located at www.trishstratus.com/shop.

    sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • FCW Diva Leaves WWE, The Miz On “The B.S. Report”, Malenko

    — It was reported this week that WWE developmental wrestler Verity Thomas (real name Vickie Skeeles), a recently signed women’s grappler from the U.K., was removed from the roster page of the official website of Florida Championship Wrestling.

    Skeeles confirmed on her Twitter account today that she she decided to part ways with World Wrestling Entertainment over Thanksgiving weekend, citing locker room politics.

    She wrote: “Yes guys I have been removed from the FCW page. I have decided, during thanksgiving break, to move on from wrestling-too many locker room politics. Life is meant for living and being happy&cheery;:) I’m a positive girl who doesn’t need negativity in her life. I will still be modelling and doing appearances. Thank you for all your support but now I would LOVE you to support my girl Sonia, she is a fantastic worker and one of my very very special friends- I love her to bits and I you should too. Love you all :) and keep smiling because I still am!”

    — Sports columnist, author and podcaster Bill Simmons conducted an interview with WWE Champion The Miz yesterday for his ESPN.com podcast, The B.S. Report.

    The interview can be accessed here.

    — The heart procedure that WWE producer Dean Malenko underwent was to have a stent placed. (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • Jim Ross Comments On John Morrison, Reaction To Lawler vs. Miz

    Jim Ross posted a new blog entry on his official website, jrsbarbq.com. The following items are among the highlights:

    CM Punk’s second week of commentary on Raw: “I thought that CM Punk did well for his second night on the job especially considering the magnitude of the main event Monday night that Punk was left to handle alone at crunch time. Doing live commentary on a broadcast like Raw isn’t an easy assignment particularly for someone with little experience. Punk adds a unique element to the broadcast which is always a positive. I’m happy for the Chicago native and enjoy his wit.”

    Jerry Lawler vs. The Miz on Raw: “For any young wrestler or wannabe who wants to learn how to pace a match, tell a story, do less with more and to invest the audience, I strongly suggest that you re-watch the Jerry Lawler vs. Miz WWE Title match from this past Monday’s Raw. It was classic example of story telling and the 61 year old King was amazing. Miz is a ‘beatable’ champion which I personally perceive to be a good thing. Hats off to all involved in what I felt was one of the most compelling, unpredictable main events on MNR in a long while.”

    Whether John Morrison can reach main event level: “John Morrison, even in a losing effort, had a memorable night on Raw with three, solid outings. Morrison is showing more toughness in his bell to bell outings which I personally like. The UC Davis grad is extremely athletic and has the required charisma to become a main event level hand sooner than later.”

    The blog can be read in its entirety here.

  • Possible Change To PPV Announce Team, O’Brian Joins Twitter

    — WWE officials have discussed modifying the announce team for pay-per-view events, which could begin as soon as TLC.

    Internally, Todd Grisham is not getting high marks for his work, which is why Michael Cole was moved to SmackDown. Meanwhile, both Cole and Jerry Lawler reportedly dislike working with Matt Striker. Cole took off his headset during the Survivor Series broadcast to yell at Striker for talking too much.

    Punk may end up with the spot for pay-per-view events, but the team would therefore solely consist of Raw announcers and the company doesn’t want SmackDown to come off as a secondary brand.

    — NXT season four contestant Conor O’Brian can be reached on Twitter via twitter.com/ConorOBrian.

    — A pre-sale is being held tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. for the SmackDown matinee event taking place on Sunday Feb. 6, 2011 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA via www.comcasttix.com. The passcode is EDGEPHILA.

    source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • Latest Update On Randy Orton, Kaitlyn Comments On Victory

    — While Randy Orton isn’t suffering from a knee injury — as indicated on television — he is reportedly banged up and dealing with a strained neck. The injury is not serious, but company officials figured given the storyline where he was beaten down, they could give him a week off to recuperate his neck. (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    — Kaitlyn, who was announced as the winner of the third season of NXT last night, took to Twitter to comment on her monumental victory.

    “Yesterday was a dream come true! I am so blessed and grateful for everything! Thanks for supporting me all the way!” she wrote. “I have a lot of hard work ahead of me! Anything worth having is worth fighting for ~chuck norris nxt season 3.”

    — Lance Storm confirmed in a post on fans.wwe.com that he has launched an official Facebook Fan Page. The page can be accessed here.

  • HHH Producing The Announcers, Ziggler’s Younger Brother Talks

    — It was said to be “night and day” in regards to Triple H producing the announcers instead of Vince McMahon during WWE’s television events in England a few weeks ago—which the WWE chairman missed. “The Game” reportedly said little to the announcers during the broadcasts, which was a huge change of pace from the usual swearing and screaming. Furthermore, when he had a point to make, he waited until a break to say it. (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

    — Ryan-Nemeth.com conducted an interview with Dolph Ziggler’s younger brother, Ryan Nemeth, an aspiring wrestler. He was asked whether he would be interested in taking part in WWE’s revival of Tough Enough and what he thinks of critics who may brush him off as “just” the Intercontinental Champion’s younger brother.

    To read the interview, click here.

    — Lance Storm confirmed in a post on fans.wwe.com that he has launched an official Facebook Fan Page. The page can be accessed here.

  • Lawler & Cole Pushing For Ross Return, WWE Pleased With Media

    — It’s said to be no secret that Jim Ross wants to return to the announce booth. His appearance on Raw two weeks ago resulted in overwhelming sentiment that he should return, but his fate lies in the hands of Vince McMahon and Kevin Dunn, who prefer youth—though Jerry Lawler is three years older than Ross.

    Furthermore, Lawler and Cole have pushed for Ross to replace Matt Striker as the third man for pay-per-view broadcasts, whom they dislike. McMahon, however, feels the pay-per-view broadcast team should be limited to those who work television.

    — WWE officials were said to be very happy and surprised at the amount of mainstream media attention The Miz’ WWE Championship victory last week on Raw received. His win was covered by TMZ, Access Hollywood, ESPN.com, Entertainment Tonight and MTV, among others.

    — WWE returns to the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on Feb. 12, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. Tickets go on sale Dec. 18, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

    source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • Cena At Raw Next Week, Jericho’s Mugshot Up For Award, More

    — John Cena said today on Twitter that he will be on hand for Monday’s Raw in Louisville, Kentucky. He said he’s paying a visit to the area to see old friends and hopes “the rest of nexass has the guts to show up as well.”

    — Chris Jericho’s mugshot from his arrest earlier this year is in the running for the TMZ’s best celebrity mugshot award. The option to vote for him can be accessed here.

    — John Thorne issued the following: Absolute Intense Wrestling in Cleveland, Ohio is proud that a fourth alumni has entered WWE via NXT. Michael Tarver and Daniel Bryan from season one as well as season two winner Kaval competed in AIW early in there careers as did season four rookie Derrick Bateman. Derrick Bateman who is Bryan’s NXT Rookie on season 4 competed in AIW for many years and was even a part of the companies inaugural event in 2005, eventually going on to win the AIW Absolute Championship in 2006 a title that is now held by Johnny Gargano.

    For more information on Absolute Intense Wrestling, visit www.aiwrestling.com.

  • Wrestlers & Celebrities Announced For “Tribute to the Troops”

    World Wrestling Entertainment issued a press release today announcing that Dirty Money, Cedric “The Entertainer” and Ariel Winter will perform on the upcoming Tribute to the Troops special.

    It was also noted that Rey Mysterio, John Cena, Randy Orton, Big Show, and WWE Champion The Miz, among others, would be competing on the show.

    Sean Combs’ Diddy – Dirty Money, Cedric the Entertainer, and Ariel Winter to Perform on NBC’s “WWE(R) Tribute to the Troops(R)” Holiday Special December 18 at 9:00PM

    STAMFORD, Conn., Dec 01, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — World Wrestling Entertainment(R) and NBC today announced that multiple-platinum, Grammy-winning hip-hop artist, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ new group Diddy – Dirty Money, charismatic King of Comedy, Cedric “The Entertainer”, and “Modern Family’s” Ariel Winter will join WWE on NBC’s third annual holiday special telecast, “WWE Tribute to the Troops.” The hour-long special honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces will air Saturday, December 18 (9-10 p.m. ET / 8-9 p.m. CT) on NBC.

    The star-studded holiday event, taped at Fort Hood, Texas will feature music from Diddy – Dirty Money who will perform “Coming Home” off their new album “Last Train to Paris.” Emmy-winner Ariel Winter will sing “The National Anthem” and Cedric “The Entertainer” will bring his award-winning brand of comedy to the special . The telecast will also star “The View’s” Sherri Shepherd spreading holiday cheer and Miss USA, Rima Fakih, who will announce WWE matches featuring such WWE Superstars as John Cena(R), Randy Orton(R), The Miz(R), Rey Mysterio(R), The Big Show(R), and others.

    Thousands of men and women based at Fort Hood have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. “WWE Tribute to the Troops” will chronicle WWE Superstars and Divas visiting Fort Hood to meet with the troops and their families this holiday season, culminating with a special live in-ring performance in front of thousands of military personnel.

    This special marks the eighth consecutive year that WWE will bring its one of a kind entertainment to our service men and women to thank them for their commitment to the country and recognition of their sacrifices. “WWE Tribute to the Troops” has become a holiday tradition and is considered TV’s most patriotic and heartwarming show of the year.

  • News On Two New WWE DVD Titles, Talent Removed From FCW

    — Two new WWE DVD titles are in the works according to wwedvdnews.com; Top 50 Biggest Matches in WWE History and Raw: The Best of Seasons 3 & 4. Both are scheduled for release during the second half of 2011.

    Raw: The Best of Seasons 3 & 4 will highlight the best of Monday Night Raw in 1995 and 1996.

    — Verity Thomas, a recently signed women’s wrestler from the U.K., has been removed from Florida Championship Wrestling’s roster page.

    A talent’s removal from the FCW roster page is often an indication of departure.

    — WWE United States Champion Daniel Bryan defeated Ted DiBiase in a dark match prior to last night’s SmackDown taping in Norfolk, Virginia.