SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • WWE Referee Released, Tiffany & Vance Archer Issue Statements

    — Referee Aaron “Goose” Mahoney was among those cut by WWE Friday. His release, however, was not officially announced.

    — Vance Archer and Tiffany took to Twitter to comment on their respective releases from World Wrestling Entertainment.

    “It is what it is. I ain’t done by a long shot. Bet that,” he wrote. “ThankU to all for all the support.”

    Meanwhile, Tiffany added, “Thank you WWE for an amazing journey. I am saddened by the news but forever grateful for the experience. Blog to come later today. Thank you to all my supportive fans. You are wonderful.”

    — The recently revamped WWEShop.com features an Alumni section and Raw Superstar Zack Ryder is listed among the likes of Jake Roberts, Kamala and Rick Rude. The company recently released its first clothing merchandise on Ryder, a “Basics” T-shirt.

  • WWE Confirms The Release Of Six Wrestlers & Divas

    World Wrestling Entertainment confirmed this afternoon that the organization has come to terms on the release of the following superstars and divas:

    • Shad Gaspard
    • Luke Gallows
    • Vance Archer
    • Caylen Croft
    • Tiffany
    • Jillian

    In typical fashion, WWE wished each them the best in all future endeavors.

    After checking with a WWE source – we can confirm that even more releases are expected either today or in the very near future.

    WWE recently released 7 wrestlers from developmental contracts and a long-time WWE is also gone .. You can read more on those stories below:

  • WWE Executive & Board Member Leave The Company

    — Longtime WWE creative team member Christopher DeJoseph has parted ways with the company, according to prowresting.net. DeJoseph had worked closely with Michael Hayes on the SmackDown creative team and has appeared on WWE television before as the overweight, oiled-up, bowtie and thong-wearing dancer (I can’t believe I just typed that) “Big Dick Johnson.”

    It was speculated over the weekend that he would be leaving and Wednesday was his final show.

    No word on why he left or who will take his place. One wrestler who called DeJoseph this week  received his voice mail and was then told by others within creative to deal with them instead.

    – Michael Solomon has resigned from his position on the WWE Board of Directors. Solomon had been a board member for nine years and  the board for nine years and was previously the head of Gladwyne Partners.

    During his time with WWE, he did not earn a salary but was given scompany tock valued at just under $100,000 for the past few years.

    — A reliable source within WWE has informed us that many releases are coming soon and will be starting today. Stay tuned.

    (Partial Source: pwinsider.com)

  • Wade Barrett Talks Survivor Series, Nexus, Bare Knuckle Boxing

    Nexus leader Wade Barrett was interviewed this week by IGN to promote Sunday’s WWE Survivor Series pay-per-view. You can read the full interview at IGN.com. Here are some highlights of what Barrett said about:

    His Experience As A Bare Knuckle Boxer In The UK:

    “Yeah, that’s something I started doing in my early 20’s. I used to live in Liverpool and I knew some people who were involved in that world. They made me an offer to do some fighting for them. It was something that wasn’t strictly legal. It was something that was under the cover of darkness, as it were. But it was something that I enjoyed at the time and I made some decent money out of it and it was something that I was quite successful at. So I enjoyed doing it.”

    The Nexus Storyline Still Going & Being So Successful

    “Yes. I think with how fast and how often Pay Per Views come around nowadays and how quick storylines turn around and evolve – and you’re right, things do move a lot faster now – but that being said I think it’s a testament to the writing and the performances that we’ve managed to keep it fresh and keep ourselves relevant in the fans’ minds so that people are still enjoying it and it’s not something that’s gotten old quickly. I think that’s a testament to how hard people have work and how well we’ve been able to pull off the ideas that the creative geniuses have come up with. I think if it’s good TV then it’s going to keep on going and there’s no reason to stop it. And hopefully it’s going to keep on being on TV for a while longer yet.”

    His WWE Title Match Against Randy Orton at Survivor Series:

    “This time I’m going to be on my own against Randy Orton with John Cena as the referee, and it’s a huge moment for me and it really shows how much I’ve come in the last year, considering one year ago I was wrestling in developmental for FCW and I wasn’t on TV or anything like that,” said Barrett. “And now, less than a year later, I’m Main Eventing one of the top pay-per-views of the year. It’s a big honor and I’m very proud of it.”

    * Wade Barrett ARRESTED In 2008 – View His MUGSHOT Picture Here

  • Austin Interview: Movies, WWE Return, Eddie & More

    WWE Hall of Famer & former WWE Champion “Stone Cold” Steve Austin was one of the featured guests on this week’s live edition (11/15/10) of the award-winning Monday Night Mayhem radio show.

    “Stone Cold” Steve Austin Discusses The Latest On The Rumors Of His WWE Return, His Commitment To The Movie Industry Since Leaving World Wrestling Entertainment, The Release Of “Hunt To Kill,” How Certain Aspects Of The Film Mirror What He Has Gone Through In His Personal Life, A Sneak Preview Of His Newest Picture (“Hangar 14”), Who He Feels Inspired The “Stone Cold” Promos The Most, Being “Handpicked” By “The Hitman” For Bret Hart’s Comeback Match At The 1996 Survivor Series, & The Legacy Of Eddie Guerrer.

    Click Here to listen to an MP3 of Ausitn’s appearance on The Mayhem.

    Interview highlights courtesy of The Mayhem’s official correspondent, Paterson from New Jersey:

    How he was approached to appear in Hunt to Kill & how certain aspects of the film mirror what he has gone through in his personal life: “We were doing an outdoor scene for another movie, and we were looking around. It was a rainforest similar to one we shot ‘Hunt to Kill’ in, and my manager says ‘Hey man, this could be your next movie. We’ll call it ‘Hunt to Kill,’ and we just came up with the title right there. We hired a writer to write it. Obviously, it was tailored to me. I grew up hunting, fishing, riding ATV’s, shooting bows and all the weapons, and it’s just what I do. So we wrote the story around me. I am in my element. As far as my relationship with my daughter in the movie, I’m trying raise her as a single father, and she really doesn’t know me, and I really don’t know her. From my 15 years on the road, I’ve kind of been in a similar situation with my two daughters. Sometimes I’ve been gone for too long, so I kind of drew from that, and that was one of things enjoyed about the movie.”

    His commitment to movies since making the transition from World Wrestling Entertainment: “I’m having fun, and I’m getting a chance to be more selective with the material. Sometimes when you’re just looking for a start, you’re just looking for any kind of vehicle to jump in. Now I can be picky and choosy about what I jump in and have more control over what I do. Back in the day when I jumped in that business I was greener than the grass, and it was a lot of work and dedication. I turned into a hell of an in-ring performer and sold a lot of tickets. My goal in anything I’ve ever done, from my athletic background in high school trying to be the best athlete that I can be, you’ve got to apply yourself. I don’t care what you’re doing, if you’re going to do something, you want to be the absolute best that you can be. With that being said, I’m not trying to be Daniel Day Lewis or Marlon Brando, but I’m damn sure trying to be the best actor that I can be and find the combination of what works for me as far as success in the movie industry.”

    What is was like being “handpicked” by Bret “The Hitman” Hart for his comeback match at the 1996 Survivor Series at Madison Square Garden & why the build-up and the match itself ranks so highly on his personal list of his favorite matches of all-time: “That’s probably my #3 favorite match of all-time, behind WrestleMania 13 with Bret Hart and X-Seven with The Rock, which was absolutely tremendous. That Survivor Series match and the promos leading up to it, I was basically handpicked by Bret for him to make his comeback after some kind of treatment on his knee. He was making his comeback. I was starting to gather a lot of momentum as ‘Stone Cold,’ but still in the heel vain. It was an old-school wrestling match. I watched that match probably three months ago doing cardio in my garage. The ring was mic’d different. Madison Square Garden has that aurora, that feeling about it, and that atmosphere. That was a bad-ass match, and I think very highly of that match, and it was just that, a wrestling match.”

    What he remembers the most about working with/being around Eddie Guerrero & what he feels Guerrero’s legacy will be in the business: “I was always in awe of everything that Eddie did. I could watch a match with a normal wrestling fan, and because I’ve been in the business so long and because what I lived, and breathed, and understand about the business, I could look at the little things that Eddie did, and just some of his body language, and the charisma he had in the ring. I’m a huge Stevie Ray Vaughn fan, and when you watch and listen to Vaughn play the guitar, he is that instrument, and it plays through his heart. He’s just endless and flowless. He never stops creating, and to me, that’s what Eddie Guerrero was in the ring. He just never stopped, and everything came so natural to him. When he was in a ring, it seemed like that was when he was at his happiest. He was a true bad-ass hand in the ring and a superstar. I’ve got a ton of respect for Eddie Guerrero, and he is on my list of all-time most gifted and talented workers that ever got in the ring.”

    After the rumors have been swirling for the past several weeks of Steve returning to the WWE for a comeback/final match, along with him potentially guest starring on a forthcoming edition of Monday Night RAW, what does this message & demand by the fans tell Steve: “First of all, I heard the rumors that I was going to be in New York, but I know nothing of it, because I plan on being deer hunting at my ranch in South Texas. I will say this: I’m proud of my wrestling career. Wrestling is what I wanted to do with my life. I love the industry back then, and I still do today. Above and beyond that, I love my wrestling fans, and I broke and busted my ass to put on a good product that they could enjoy, and that’s what I enjoyed doing. My style was what I lived, and thrived, and loved doing. If it wasn’t for my wrestling background, I wouldn’t be where I am today and had the opportunities that I’ve had. Those are rumors. I can’t say that it’s true, because like I said, I’m going to go make a movie, go deer hunting, and then go make another movie. I wish I had some kind of answers to that. I think people want to see real hardcore entertainment and stop the sugar coating. I’m not saying I’m the only one that can do it, because there are a lot of guys that can do it, but it doesn’t need to be so candy coated.”

  • Vince McMahon Signs New 3-Year Contract With WWE

    WWE Chariman and CEO Vince McMahon has signed a new employment contract with World Wrestling Entertainment. Effective January 1, 2011, Mr. McMahon will remain with the company for three more years, with the contract renewing each year beyond that unless either party chooses not to extend.

    Aside from his current duties as Chairman and CEO, he will serve as Creative Director as well as be a writer and performer.

    Mr. McMahon’s annual base salary will be $1,100,000 and he’ll be entitled to an annual bonus target of 100% of base salary, depending on “degree of achievement of corporate and individual performance.” He’s entitled to 4 weeks of paid vacation per year.

    The entire McMahon family (and their invited guests) will have unlimited access to WWE’s corporate jet for personal use when the aircraft is not needed for business purposes.

    In the event that his relationship with WWE is terminated, Vince McMahon cannot compete against WWE or its affiliates for up to one year after termination.

    If he is terminated or resigns with good reason, he will receive twice the amount each of his base salary and annual target bonus along with other accrued benefits.

    You can read WWE’s official filing with the at Securities And Exchange Commission at Corporate.WWE.com.

  • HHH Takes Control Of TV Tapings, Cena-Nexus, Sammartino

    – John Cena wrote the following on Twitter after Monday’s RAW:

    “CeNation. Officially don’t care anymore what wade thinks or says. Had time to reflect and if i get fired, im ok with it. Sorry to keep quiet for so long. That will never happen again. I have been able to read all of your messages. Thank u to all.”

    – Vince McMahon did not fly to Europe for last week’s set of television tapings and was thus Triple H’s first time of being in charge of events in his recently promoted role as the WWE Chairman’s senior advisor. It is said that while the atmosphere appeared different, it was in a positive manner.

    – In the intro titling for WWE’s profile on Bruno Sammartino in their Top 50 Superstars of All Time DVD set, his last name is misspelled as “Summartino.”

    In what many are calling a prime example of why the list is a joke – Sammartino is ranked No. 24.

    (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • *SPOILERS* SmackDown Tapings Results For Friday

    WWE SmackDown on Syfy

    WWE taped Friday’s episode of Smackdown on Tuesday from the Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, Virginia.

    Credit to reader Rusty Kendall and Wrestling News World for these results:

    Dark Match:

    * Caylen Croft b. Luke Gallows

    Smackdown (Airing Friday on SyFy):

    * Alberto Del Rio came out to open the show. He ran down the legends that appeared on Monday’s “Old School” Raw and boasted about beating Sgt. Slaughter. MVP came out and assured Del Rio he’ll never be a legend and he’s a nobody. MVP asked Del Rio for a match but Del Rio told him he couldn’t handle him. Del Rio called for Drew McIntyre, one of his teammates at Sunday’s Survivor Series pay-per-view, to come out and face him.

    * MVP b. Drew McIntyre

    * Backstage, Edge taunts Paul Bearer who is still tied to a wheelchair.

    * World Heavyweight Champion Kane bursts into Teddy Long’s office and questions where Paul Bearer is very similar to how he went on a rampage looking for The Undertaker’s “attacker” a couple of month ago.

    * Jack Swagger b. Chris Masters via submission in the anklelock.

    * Edge is shown still somewhat torturing Paul Bearer.

    * Kaval b. WWE Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler in a non-title match. After the bout, he reminded Dolph he has a title match at an upcoming pay-per-view because of his WWE NXT Season 2 win. He says he wants Ziggler on Sunday at Survivor Series for the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

    * “Dashing” Cody Rhodes b. Kofi Kingston

    * Backstage, World Heavyweight Champion Kane is still on a rampage searching for Paul Bearer.

    * WWE Divas Champion(s) LayCool b. Natalya & Kelly Kelly. Layla pinned Natalya.

    * Backstage, Edge lures World Heavyweight Champion Kane in by revealing Paul Bearer. He attacks Kane then drives off with his “father”.

    * Big Show b. Tyler Reks

    * Rey Mysterio b. Alberto Del Rio via disqualification when Team Del Rio came out and beat up Rey. Team Mysterio made the save. Teddy Long came out and announced since both teams were already in the ring we’d have a Survivor Series Battle Royal preview tonight.

    * Big Show won a 10-man Battle Royal featuring Alberto Del Rio, Tyler Reks, Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Jack Swagger, Rey Mysterio, Kofi Kingston, MVP and Chris Masters. Show eliminated Swagger with help from Mysterio tow in the match. Following the bout, Show and Mysterio celebrated.

    Dark Match Main Event:

    * Big Show b. World Heavyweight Champion Kane via disqualification when Kane used the title belt.

  • Update On Venis’ WWE Status, Raw Attracting Older Audience

    — Sean Morley (a/k/a Val Venis) will not be returning to WWE as a performer. He was on hand for the company’s “Old School” episode of Raw and was trained to be a producer. It was said to be more of tryout to see if he’s adequate enough to be a producer now.

    The former WWE Intercontinental Champion was telling promoters he was going on WWE’s recent tour of Europe. It is unclear whether Venis attended the television tapings, but he worked a show for NWS over the weekend and is once again accepting independent bookings.

    — Attendance figures for initial shows of WWE’s European tour were: Nov. 5 in Cardiff, Wales, was 4,900 (sold out) for $311,003; Nov. 6 in Birmingham, was 10,533 paying $578,608; Nov. 7 in Nottingham was 6,885 paying $331,744; Nov. 7 in Glasgow was 5,050 (sold out) paying $361,344.

    — Thirty percent of viewers of recent episodes of Monday Night Raw have been over the age of fifty.

    source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • Updated ’11 WWE PPV Schedule – SummerSlam Venue Revealed

    Below are updated details for WWE’s 2011 pay-per-view schedule:

    Royal Rumble
    1/30/2011
    Boston, MA
    TD Garden

    Elimination Chamber
    2/20/2011
    Oakland, CA
    Oracle Arena

    WrestleMania XXVII
    4/3/2011
    Atlanta, GA
    Georgia Dome

    WWE Extreme Rules
    5/1/2011
    Tampa, FL
    St. Pete Times Forum

    WWE Over the Limit
    5/22/2011
    Seattle, WA
    Key Arena

    WWE Fatal 4-Way
    6/19/2011
    Washington, DC
    Verizon Center

    WWE Money in the Bank
    7/17/2011
    Chicago, IL
    Allstate Arena

    SummerSlam
    8/14/2011
    Los Angeles, CA
    Staples Center

    Night of Champions
    9/18/2011
    Buffalo, NY
    HSBC Arena

    Hell in a Cell
    10/2/2011
    New Orleans, LA
    New Orleans Arena

    WWE Bragging Rights
    10/23/2011
    San Antonio, TX
    AT&T Center

    WWE Survivor Series
    11/20/2011
    New York, NY
    Madison Square Garden

    WWE TLC
    12/18/2011
    Philadelphia, PA
    Wells Fargo Center

  • JR Blog: Old School RAW, Piper’s Segment, Michael Cole

    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:

    Monday’s Old School RAW: “Even though I felt that I was a little rusty on commentary, I had a super time working with King and being back at ringside. It’s hard to simply walk away from something that’s in one’s DNA and that has been such a prominent part of one’s life for four decades. It had been 13 months since I last called a wrestling bout but after listening to the show after I arrived home on Tuesday it seemed to go o.k. I’ve never called a perfect bout and likely never will be the goal is always be work diligently to be better the next time than one was the last time. Finding or residing in one’s comfort zone is the kiss of death”

    Michael Cole’s Character: “Lots of fans have sent me emails and Tweets, @JRsBBQ, regarding Michael Cole’s performance during the Swagger-Bryan bout and be assured that Michael was simply doing his job and embellishing upon his new, antagonist persona. There are no issues here I can assure you. If I helped folks dislike Cole’s new persona then I accomplished one objective it would seem.”

    Rowdy Roddy Piper’s Segment On RAW: “Roddy Piper arguably did more in his brief albeit impactful time on Raw to promote the Survivor Series main event of Orton vs. Barrett w/ Cena as the special referee than anyone has done on Raw or elsewhere since the storyline began. Awesome job by Piper who can still be ‘money.’ Roddy looked better than I have seen him in years and has made some important, life style changes that were evident when speaking with him and subsequently watching him perform. In my opinion, Roddy Piper stole the show Monday at Raw. FYI, Roddy’s son Colt is still actively pursuing a career as a MMA fighter of which has my interest. Keep an eye out for Colt Toombs.”

  • Sean Waltman Rants About Old School RAW, Wellness & More

    Former WWE and TNA star Sean “X-Pac” Waltman went on Twitter this week and ranted about a number of topics, including why he wasn’t contacted to appear at “Old School” RAW, WWE’s Wellness policy, his release from TNA and more.

    Here are some highlights of what Waltman wrote on Twitter.com/therealxpac:

    Not Being Contacted To Appear On “Old School” RAW:

    “I dont know why I wasnt at Old School Raw. Maybe everyone should call them and ask them. (203) 352 8600. they are going to kill me for that. Dont tell them I told you to call though:) Not that they wont find out anyway, with all the wwe undercover operatives scanning twitterverse. Maybe I just slipped their mind. If u listen to their version of history, i barely existed.”

    Waltman has been outspoken about WWE’s PG product and suspects that his comments may have put him on bad terms with the company. He tweeted:

    “F— em if they cant take a joke. 4 f— sakes, the election is over. Enough with the PG bulls— Vince. I love you Boss, but come on.”

    “Trust me, Im not trying to get a job. Im doing fine & having fun. I just like to play harmless ribs. Someone’s gonna be pissed though. lol!”

    WWE’s Wellness Policy & Whether He’d Quit Weed To Get A Job With WWE:

    “No. I wouldnt. Thats my own choice & even Vince doesnt want to stop the boys from smoking weed. Its a bs policy.”

    “As long as there testing for marijuana, which is totally retarded, I will not pass their drug test. They will drop the pot thing. watch”

    “Drop the marijuana policy. The IOC doesnt even ban it, except during competition. F— it, While your at it, lay off the steroid policy too. People want to see guys with great bodies & the boys want to take it.”

    “Now the ban on somas & the whole wellness policy in general is great. That would give WWE an idea if anyone’s health is affected.”

    His Release From TNA:

    “Everyone ask Dixie Carter why TNA chose to announce I no showed Lockdown when they knew my situation over 1 wk prior.”

    “Also ask Dixie Carter why she told me we would get through this together & then I received a an e mail saying weve got nothing for you.”And even though they could really use me. Im not looking for a job there either. TNA that is. Dixie Carter is a good woman however.”

    “TNA did not f— me at all. Just shoot strait with me. Too many people there who feel threatened by me, behind the scenes.”

    “But I was part of the reason Konnan won his lawsuit vs TNA for racial descrimination. Im surprised they brought me back anyway. Some people in TNA were wrong & they were guilty. I witnessed it & had the balls not to remain silent. I get the reason they dont want me..”

  • UFC Heavyweight Roy Nelson Wants To Work For WWE

    UFC Heavyweight Roy Nelson

    As we reported last week, there’s a current UFC fighter who is interested in wrestling for WWE in the near future. That fighter is former International Fight League Heavyweight Champion and winner of “The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights,” Roy Nelson.

    There’s some interesting backstory to the situation. Nelson has been fighting for UFC in his last few fights, but there’s a legal mess that’s preventing him from fighting anywhere now. Either before or during the time that he was signed with UFC, Nelson signed a contract with former boxer Roy Jones’ Square Ring, Inc. promotion.

    Square Ring, Inc. has sued Roy Nelson and Zuffa LLC (UFC’s parent company), claiming they have exclusive rights over Nelson’s MMA career. Because UFC’s contracts typically include a clause that would indemnify Zuffa from any lawsuits arising from a fighter breaching contracts with other companies (such as Square Ring), all the legal heat is now coming down on Nelson. The legal bills are piling up, Nelson can’t fight for UFC, Square Ring isn’t booking any big MMA shows and “Big Country” needs a big payday.

    Nelson’s management team thinks working with WWE could be the solution and has reached out to the company about working together. No word yet if WWE is interested in working with Nelson, but this will be an interesting story to follow.

    Roy Nelson is a 34-year-old brawler known for his unorthodox body type – sporting a big gut and tipping the scales at around 265 pounds. Prior to this legal mess, Nelson had been a rumored opponent for former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar.

  • Skip Sheffield Officially Dropped From The Nexus

    According to an article on WWE.com documenting the history of The Nexus, Skip Sheffield is no longer considered a member of the group.

    The article states: “Immediately following that heinous first attack, the stalwart Bryan expressed remorse for his actions and parted ways with The Nexus, while Tarver, Sheffield and Young were later deemed unworthy of the rebels’ signature armband either due to exile or injury. However, as witnessed by the WWE Universe, the group only grew stronger and more streamlined as a result of the changes within its ranks.”

    During the Aug. 18 live event in Honolulu, Hawaii, Sheffield injured his ankle in a tag team match with David Otunga against The Hart Dynasty. It was later determined that he suffered a compound fracture of his ankle and was initially expected to be out for four to six months.

    Sheffield was never officially booted from the group on television. Wade Barrett acknowledged in passing during an interview on the Aug. 30 episode of Raw that Sheffield suffered an ankle injury.

  • CM Punk Injury Update, Bryan-JR, Skip Sheffield Update

    – Daniel Bryan posted a message on Twitter about WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross calling his match on Monday’s “Old School” RAW:

    “Just watched Monday’s RAW. Jim Ross is still the absolute BEST. It was an honor and a thrill to hear him to do commentary on my match.”

    – Nexus member Skip Sheffield is still on crutches after suffering a broken ankle back in August. His injury is expected to keep him out of action for at least 3 more months.

    – After choosing physical rehabilitation instead of surgery to heal his torn glute muscle, CM Punk is now considered a “sure thing” for WrestleMania. He could return as soon as January. Punk will be joining the ringside announcing team on this week’s Superstars and will likely continue that function until he’s healthy.

    (Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • WWE Cuts Another FCW Wrestler, “Superstars” Matches Taped

    — WWE has released developmental wrestler Kyle Rasmussen (a/k/a Conrad Tanner), a 6’4″, 300 pound former Michigan State football player John Laurinaitis signed last year following a tryout.

    Also released this past week were developmental talents Daniel Skyler, Devin Allen, Dr. Cable Jones, Fahd Rakman, Ron Myers and Rhys Ali.

    All seven have been removed from the roster page of the official website of Florida Championship Wrestling.

    — Two additional matches were taped for this week’s episode of WWE Superstars last night in Richmond, Virginia: JTG vs. Chavo Guerrero; Trent Barreta vs. Curt Hawkins.

    A tag team match pitting Melina and Gail Kim against Maryse and Alicia Fox was taped Monday in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

    — The pre-sale password for Monday Night Raw in Little Rock, Arkansas on Jan. 17, 2011 is CENANEXUS. The pre-sale is ongoing on Ticketmaster.com.

  • Joey Styles Spoils NXT Elimination On Twitter – WWE Apoligizes

    The results of the latest NXT Poll were revealed on Tuesday’s episode of WWE NXT and it was disclosed that Aksana has been eliminated from the competition.

    Immediately following the announcement, “The Billion Dollar Baby” pretended to faint. Aksana grabbed the mic from the floor and said, “Somebody make mistake.” She vowed to come back and said she will go to Vince McMahon’s office and write a letter. She then blew kisses to the crowd and walked up the ramp before being stopped by Goldust. He pulled out a piece of paper and said he wants a divorce. She screamed and stormed off.

    It was announced that an elimination would occur on next week’s show.

    Three contestants remain—AJ, Kaitlyn and Naomi. The season finale takes place in two weeks.

    UPDATE: WWE employee Joey Styles actually spoiled this week’s NXT elimination on Twitter before it occured on WWE.com. Styles wrote on Tuesday:

    “Oh the hell with this, this show was taped over three hours ago. Aksana was eliminated. Who cares?”

    “I can’t watch this episode any more.”

    “Yes I spoiled the end of this awful episode. Tweet your complaints to me @joeystyles.”

    WWE’s official NXT Twitter account posted the following apology in response to Styles’ “unprofessional” actions:

    “WWE apologizes for @JoeyStyles’ tweet spoiling tonight’s @WWENXT elimination. His actions were unprofessional & unacceptable.”

  • *Spoiler* Two More Matches Added To Survivor Series

    Ticketmaster.com is advertising two matches for Sunday’s Survivor Series pay-per-view that have yet to be officially announced by WWE.

    Advertised for the event is an Intercontinental Championship bout between Dolph Ziggler and Kaval. This match was made official at Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings, where Kaval announced he’d be cashing in his open title shot (from winning NXT Season 2) against Ziggler on Sunday.

    Also advertised by Ticketmaster is Daniel Bryan defending the United States Championship against Ted DiBiase.

    With those matches set, here’s the updated card for Sunday’s WWE Survivor Series PPV:

    WWE Championship Match
    Randy Orton (c) vs. Wade Barrett (with John Cena as the special guest referee)
    Should Barrett win, Cena is freed from The Nexus. Should Barrett lose, Cena is fired from WWE.

    World Heavyweight Championship Match
    Edge vs. Kane (c)

    WWE Divas Championship Match
    Natalya vs. Michelle McCool and Layla (c)

    WWE Tag Team Championship Match
    Santino Marella and Vladimir Kozlov vs. Justin Gabriel and Heath Slater (c)

    Survivor Series Elimination Match
    Rey Mysterio, Big Show, MVP, Kofi Kingston and Chris Masters vs. Alberto Del Rio, Jack Swagger, Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes and Tyler Reks

    Sheamus vs. John Morrison

  • Talk Of Another Old School Raw, Diva Interested In Joining Nexus

    — There is talk that if WWE officials are satisfied with the rating for last night’s “Old School” episode of Raw, they’ll hold another one next year.

    The show garnered an overall cable rating of 3.1, and a 3.2 during its regular time slot. The show averaged a 3.1 cable rating the prior five weeks.

    — The Nov. 13 episode of A.M. Raw scored a 0.47 cable rating, with 516,000 viewers.

    — Eliminated NXT season three contestant Maxine set a manipulated photo of herself donning a Nexus T-shirt as her avatar on Twitter. She teasingly wrote “Never know!!” in regards to joining the faction.

    sources: F4WOnline.com, PWInsider.com

  • WWE Personnel Want Jim Ross Back, Backstage Reaction To Raw

    — Numerous wrestlers had a great time last night at Raw, particularly those who grew up around the wrestling industry. Likewise, a number of legends were excited to meet some of the generational wrestlers, particularly Michael McGillicutty (a/k/a Joe Hennig) since his dad was beloved. The show also gave th legends a chance to see the likes of Tamina and Husky Harris, who they observed growing up.

    Members of The Nexus reportedly watched “Rowdy” Roddy Piper’s promo intently and the biggest reaction backstage occurred when Mae Young referred to Lay-Cool as “sluts” and “bitches.” Her remarks reportedly made Vince McMahon laugh.

    — It is said that most everyone in WWE wants Jim Ross to return to the broadcast booth. However, the final decision lies with Vince McMahon.

    — The person who fell down hitting the ring during last night’s pull-apart brawl between John Cena and Randy Orton was WWE Executive Vice President of Talent Relations John Lauranitis.

    source: F4WOnline.com

  • Old School RAW Rating: Slightly Up From The 5-Week Average

    Monday’s 3-hour “Old School” edition of WWE RAW drew a 3.1 rating and averaged 4,527,000 viewers.

    The final two hours (the normal timeslot) did a 3.2 rating with 4,758,000 viewers.

    The show did hours of 2.74, 3.20 and 3.22.

    Last week’s show did a 3.1, which is also the 5-week average.

    (Source: pwinsider.com)

  • USA Executive & WWE Ally Bonnie Hammer Gets Big Promotion

    Bonnie Hammer

    The LA Times is reporting that USA Network President and longtime WWE ally Bonnie Hammer is getting a big promotion as part of the corporate merger between NBC Universal (parent company of USA Network) and Comcast. Hammer, who is currently in charge of USA and SyFy networks, will now also run E! Entertainment Television and the G-4 network.

    Bonnie Hammer has been working with WWE since the late 1990s and was instrumental in bringing WWE back to the USA Network when its contract with Spike TV came up.

    Hammer gave the green light to bringing ECW, NXT and SmackDown to Syfy.

    Hammer has a track record of creating synergy among the NBC Universal properties. Having a strong ally in such a powerful position at NBC Universal could certainly be beneficial to WWE.

    For more on this story, visit LATimes.com.

  • WWE Officials Hopeful For Michaels Return At WrestleMania

    Former WWE star Shawn Michaels was forced into retirement after losing his WrestleMania rematch against The Undertaker back in March and he’s been very firm that his days in the ring are over.

    Michaels returned to the road last week promoting ticket sales for WrestleMania XXVII in Atlanta, Georgia. Both he and Triple H made numerous public appearances throughout the city, with HBK addressing his current WWE status in interviews. Michaels said he was happy with his career and that he went out on top. He was asked to help promote the event since most of the top WWE stars were overseas touring.

    Company officials want to continue utilizing Michaels as they are hopeful he returns at the event to appear as a special guest referee for a match involving The Undertaker. Creative has a storyline in mind where Michaels would have the opportunity to gain revenge on The Deadman by ending his undefeated streak at WrestleMania. However, said plans are extremely tentative due to the SmackDown star recently undergoing shoulder surgery. It’s said to be touch-and-go on whether he’ll be healthy enough to compete in a singles match at the event.

    Creative has a worst-case scenario in place which would involve him teaming with Kane in a multi-man tag team match against The Nexus where he could be protected.

    (source: F4WOnline.com)

  • Evan Bourne Injury Update, Who Discovered Sheamus, Keibler

    — Evan Bourne has resumed training and is taking part in physical therapy after undergoing surgery last month to repair a torn rotator cuff. He is expected to return to action in February or March.

    — Former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler stars in two upcoming direct-to-DVD films; Fixing Pete (set for release in January) and Dysfunctional Friends (out in May).

    — Former WWE star James “Jimmy Wang Yang” Yun appeared on this week’s Right After Wrestling radio show and revealed a pretty interesting news item. Yung takes credit for being the person who discovered WWE newcomer Sheamus:

    “I’m the one who got Sheamus his job. I picked him out in Milan, Italy and said ‘I’m gonna test this guy out’ and look at him now, he’s done great. I saw the workouts earlier and they told me that I could work with anyone I wanted. It came down to him and another German guy. I went to both guys and I asked ‘who does Italy hate the most, Germans or Irishmen?’ They both told me Irishmen so I ended up picking Sheamus to work that night. The rest is history.”

  • What Happened After RAW & Lots More Live Notes

    – Prior to Monday’s Old School RAW, two matches were taped for Superstars:

    * Melina and Gail Kim vs. Maryse and Alicia Fox

    * Yoshi Tatsu vs. Primo.

    CM Punk joined the announcer’s table during these matches.

    – After RAW went off the air, Randy Orton got up and took out Wade Barrett with an RKO. The advertised dark match main event of Orton vs. Barrett vs. Sheamus vs. John Cena did not take place.

    – With Mae Young’s win over LayCool on last night’s RAW, she becomes the only pro wrestler in history to compete in nine decades! Mae Young has wrestled matches in the 1930’s, 1940’s, 1950’s, 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s, 1990’s, 2000’s and now the 2010’s. Congratulations to her on this historic achievement.

    – Based on several live reports sent in from fans who were at RAW, Jim Ross got the loudest pop of the night by far. Randy Orton and Slick also got big reactions from the crowd.

    – Not much happened during the commercial breaks aside from a few Kiss Cam segments.

    – The Iron Sheik came down the ring in a wheelchair. He had a very tough time entering and exiting the ring.

    – Overall everybody said it was a fun night and the crowd was very into the whole show.

    – WWE Legends who appeared on last night’s RAW were Jim Ross, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Jimmy Snukka, Howard Finkel, Mean Gene Okerlund, Slick, Ted DiBiase, Dusty Rhodes, George “The Animal” Steele, The Iron Sheik, Nikolai Volkoff, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Sgt. Slaughter, IRS, Tito Santana, Cowboy Bob Orton, Ron Simmons, Tony Atlas, Tatanka, Arn Anderson, Gerald Brisco, Mae Young, the Brooklyn Brawler, Harvey Whippleman and Chavo Classic.