SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Angle Says WWE Return Is Possible, WrestleMania Seating Chart

    — TNA Superstar Kurt Angle said “anything is possible” today on his Facebook account in regards to a possible return to WWE.

    “A lot of you want me back in WWE. I appreciate your kind words. I love TNA but anything is possible,” he wrote. “Dixie Carter has been wonderful to me. She cares about my well being. That means more to me than anything. So I would never count out WWE, but TNA is my loyalty right now.”

    — The seating chart for WrestleMania XXVII has been released online. To view it, click here.

    The event is being held on April 3, 2011 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia.

    — The Nov. 6 episode of A.M. Raw drew a 0.52 cable rating, with 646,000 viewers. The rating is way down from the previous week’s 1.04 figure.

  • Reason For McCool Missing UK Tour, WWE Star Discussed For HOF

    — Divas Champion Michelle McCool was given off from WWE’s ongoing tour of Europe to tend to The Undertaker after undergoing rotator cuff surgery this past week.

    — There has been much talk amongst WWE officials in recent weeks to induct Theodore Long into next year’s Hall of Fame class since it’s taking place in his home city of Atlanta, Georgia. Matt Striker is often mentioning the SmackDown General Manager over commentary in conjunction with it.

    — There has been a change in WWE’s creative process as it’s said that they “want to push the envelope” on company programming. It is also said that they want the commentators making more inside jokes.

    source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • Shawn Michaels To Promote WrestleMania This Week With HHH

    Shawn Michaels said on his Twitter account this afternoon that he is flying out to Atlanta, Georgia tomorrow to promote WrestleMania XXVII alongside Triple H.

    “I was gonna tell ya tomorrow on the way. But someone blabbed. Yes, HHH and I are going to Atlanta to promote Wrestlemania, tomorrow and Friday,” he wrote.

    He then noted why he’s promoting the upcoming event and for fans to not get their hopes up on him returning to the ring.

    “Easy on the hoping. It’s very simple. They asked and I said yes. I will always help the WWE when I can. It will always be home to me.”

    Tickets for WrestleMania XXVVII go on sale this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. via the Georgia Dome box office, Ticketmaster, and by phone (800-745-3000).

  • HBK Comments On Old School Raw, Bragging Rights News, More

    — Shawn Michaels, who was featured in a promotional commercial Monday promoting next week’s “Old School” episode of Raw, responded to those who asked if he would be appearing on the show.

    “For those asking, I will not be at the old school RAW as best I know,” he wrote on Twitter. “Do I already qualify as “Old School?” If so…SWEET!!!”

    — There was a late push to amplify Bragging Rights because members of creative felt it was a flat show going in. Vince McMahon, however, made the decision to keep the script intact and not enhance it.

    — Today is injured WWE star Skip Sheffield’s birthday. He turns 29 years old.

    source: Pro Wrestling Torch

  • Updated: William Regal Announces His Retirement (Video)

    William Regal announced to the crowd at today’s Raw live event in London, England that the ongoing British tour would be his last because he is retiring soon.

    Having started his career wrestling on the carnival circuit in England at the age of 15, he competed across the globe before joining World Championship Wrestling in 1993. After parting ways with the organization in 2000, he joined World Wrestling Entertainment, where he became commissioner. He has been with the company since then.

    Throughout his 27-year career, Regal has won more than 60 titles worldwide, including 15 in WWE and 4 in WCW.

    He recently signed a 42 month contract renewal with WWE, which puts him under contract until 2014.

    Update: A video has surfaced online of William Regal’s retirement speech from this week’s RAW live event from London.. Check it out:

    (source: PWInsider.com)

  • RAW Rating Down, The Fink & Mean Gene On “Old School” RAW

    – Monday’s Last night’s episode of WWE Monday Night RAW drw a 3.1 cable rating, down from last week’s 3.1, and had 4.5 million viewers, down from 4.8 million last week. The show was taped on Monday afternoon from Manchester, England.

    – WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel will serve as the ring announcer for next week’s 3-hour “Old School” RAW from Hershey, PA. Mean Gene Okerlund will also be on hand conducting interviews.

    The following names from the past have been confirmed for the show:

    – Rowdy Roddy Piper
    – Jimmy Snuka
    – Dusty Rhodes
    – Ted DiBiase
    – Arn Anderson
    – The Iron Sheik
    – “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan
    – Sgt. Slaughter
    – Nikolai Volkoff
    – Irwin R Shyster

  • Video: Matt Hardy’s “State Of The Business” Part 1

    Matt Hardy is back with another YouTube video .. The former WWE superstar has begun a new series where he’ll give his candid thoughts on the state of the wrestling industry. Here’s what he posted on YouTube:

    This is Part 1 of “My Take On The State Of The Business.”

    I discuss what I think is good and bad in the pro wrestling business, what the wrestling business could do to become hot again, as well as why it’s in its current state. Please comment and give me your opinions and feedback.. I look forward to reading your comments! Thanks, and I hope you enjoy my thoughts.

  • Triple H Updates Fans On His Health, Comments On Promotion

    Triple H participated in a radio interview two weeks ago promoting WWE’s Fan Appreciation Supershow in Hartford, Connecticut.

    Regarding the injury that currently has him sidelined, he tore his biceps while filming a movie for WWE Studios. He said it was an old injury that was aggravated. He added that he is currently rehabilitating from the injury and that he has not been cleared to return to the wrestling ring.

    In regards to his recent promotion with WWE, he jokingly said his official title is “Señor Advisor.” He said he works with the Spanish announce team and therefore is the “Señor Advisor.”

    Commenting on his wife, Stephanie, he said he didn’t really get to know her until they participated in the storyline where they were married.

    He concluded the interview by saying that he has shot two movies that will be released in the future.

    The interview can be listened here. He also discusses Linda McMahon’s Senate campaign and his three daughters.

  • WWE Reveals Plans For This Year’s “Tribute to the Troops” Show

    WWE issued the following press release today:

    THE MOST PATRIOTIC SHOW OF THE YEAR, “WWE TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS®,” COMES TO NBC SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18TH AT 9 PM ET
    Starring WWE® Superstars and Divas, Miss USA®, Rima Fakih, and The View’s Sherri Shepherd

    NEW YORK, NY – November 9, 2010 – World Wrestling Entertainment®, in conjunction with NBC, will honor the United States Armed Forces with its third annual telecast of its holiday special, “WWE Tribute to the Troops.” This year, top WWE Superstars and Divas will travel to Fort Hood, Texas to entertain the nearly 350,000 military personnel, family members, and civilians that make up the largest active duty armored post in the United States Armed Services. Thousands of men and women from Fort Hood have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The hour-long special will air Saturday, December 18 (9-10 p.m. ET / 8-9 p.m. CT) on NBC.

    “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. In the grand tradition of Bob Hope, this year’s show will feature appearances by The View’s Sherri Shepherd and Miss USA, Rima Fakih, and performances by special musical guests and a comedian to be announced in the upcoming weeks.

    In keeping with the spirit of “Tribute to the Troops” of bringing a little piece of Americana to our men and women overseas, WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon along with WWE Superstars Kelly Kelly®, Big Show®, and Eve™ will also head to Afghanistan on a goodwill tour in early December. This tour will be highlighted on the special.

    This trip 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.

  • Latest Report On Lawler’s Health, Ross Returns To Announcing

    — The latest report on Jerry Lawler’s health is that his left leg is swollen from the knee down to the foot. The cause of the matter is not known, but those close to him believe he has incurred a staph infection. The WWE Hall of Famer’s doctor advised him not to attend Raw since it would have been a ten hour flight to England and the change in air pressure could have possibly cause blood clots.

    — Former WWE announcer Jim Ross announced the second quarter broadcast of the Boston Celtics vs. Oklahoma City Thunder NBA game Sunday night in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for the Boston Celtics Radio Network. Sean Grande, the radio voice of the Celtics, is a huge wrestling fan and asked who Ross would put on his ‘Mount Rushmore’ of wrestling. He said Lou Thesz, Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin and Bruno Sammartino. Grande seemed surprised he didn’t mention Ric Flair, and Ross said that he figured as Mount Rushmore he had to limit it to four.

    — The WWE SmackDown taping on Jan. 25, 2011 will be held at the US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio. Tickets go on sale Dec. 11, 2010.

    sources: PWInsider.com, F4WOnline.com

  • Steve Austin Praises Reaction, Discusses WWE Return Rumors

    WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin spoke with CraveOnline.com to promote his new latest movie, Hunt to Kill.

    Regarding rumors that he is hosting an episode of Raw next month, he says he has no knowledge of the matter.

    “Man, I haven’t talked with anybody about that,” he replied. “I mean, I’ve been hearing rumors all of a sudden that I’m supposed to appear on Raw or something or other, or a Wrestlemania XXVII thing, and I don’t know anything about it. I haven’t talked with anybody from the WWE. On the 10th of November I’m fixed to head to Vancouver to start another movie, so I don’t think it’s going to happen, and I haven’t had talks of anything happening either.

    “Stone Cold” praised TNA Wrestling’s pseudo shoot program, ReACTION, noting his enjoyment for its rawness.

    “I watch their Reaction show, and I like the shoot style promos they do on that show. It’s different, it’s not so pre-fabricated, you know, they’re shoot promos and I enjoy that. They feel raw, they feel real.

    “Well you know, it goes back to what it was before. That’s the ability to learn to cut a promo and you’re coming from your heart, your guts, your brain. There’s that story you’ve got to tell, but promos have to be real, they can’t be fabricated. You have to believe in them. When you’re not trying to memorize something, you can believe what you’re saying. That’s the fashion that I cut mine as Stone Cold. I believed every word I said 110%. That’s just the way it was.”

    To read the interview, click here.

    See *SCARY* photos of Triple H ->

  • Serena Comments On Living The Straight Edge Lifestyle

    Former WWE talent Serena Deeb joined Arda Ocal and Jimmy Korderas Monday night for an interview on Right After Wrestling. Highlights:

    What Serena has been doing since her WWE release. (0:42)

    Will Serena keep her hair short going forward. (1:56)

    Her reaction to being asked to shave her head by WWE. (3:13)

    Her love of traveling and wanting to wrestle in Japan, as well as getting the famous “Ribera” jacket. (8:22)

    Have other companies approached her with interest after her “90 day no compete” clause is up? (12:20)

    Her new schedule and how its improved her family life. (13:28)

    What is the best way to get a response from Serena on Twitter? (14:41)

    When asked whether she had to maintain a straight edge lifestyle while on the road, and whether she was asked to, she replied with the following:

    “They were big on that (living a straight edge lifestyle outside the ring) and understandably so. It was a really hot angle and an important stable in the company so they definitely wanted that image to be maintained outside of the ring as well. It was more or less implied, never really said. It was just one of those implications.”

    “WWE as a company is such a global phenomenon and there is so much media attention surrounding the company. We all know the media is always looking for ways to bash pro wrestling. I think it’s one of those things that they want the employees to maintain a professional image in the public because it’s such a huge company, it’s the messiah of pro wrestling.”

    The audio interview can be accessed here.

  • Survivor Series Changes, More Legends For Old School RAW

    – Also on RAW, a few changes were announced to two of the top matches at Survivor Series. Randy Orton’s WWE title defense against Wade Barrett with John Cena will be a “pinfall or submission only” match – which means no disqualifications. The Divas Title match will now be a handicap match, with both Lay-Cool members defending against Natalya.

    – On Monday’s RAW, it was announced that “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Superfly Jimmy Snuka, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Nikolai Volkoff and Iron Sheik will appearing on next week’s 3-hour “Old School” edition of WWE RAW. “Mean” Gene Okerlund will also be on hand to conduct interviews.

    — Randy Orton pinned Wade Barrett in a three way dark match after RAW with Sheamus after Barrett brought the belt in and went for Orton. Orton ducked and hit Sheamus. Orton took the belt and hit Barrett and pinned him.

  • Rey Mysteiro Returns To Action, 2 Matches For SmackDown

    – SmackDown star Rey Mysterio returned to the ring on Monday’s live event from Newcastle, England. Mysterio and Edge defeated Alberto Del Rio and Cody Rhodes in tag team action. Rey was on the sidelines for a few weeks due to an inner ear infection but is now healthy and is expected at Tuesday’s SmackDown tapings.

    – On Monday’s RAW, two matches were announced for Smackdown this Friday:

    * World Heavyweight Champion Kane vs. Big Show

    * Edge vs. David Otunga in a Lumberjack match. If David Otunga loses, he’s out of Nexus.

  • Reason For Lawler Missing Raw, Matches Taped For Superstars

    — Word amongst those in WWE is that Jerry Lawler was unable to appear in Manchester, England for today’s Monday Night Raw taping due to an injury that prevented him from making the trip overseas.

    A company source believes the WWE Hall of Famer suffered a knee injury.

    Michael Cole and Josh Matthews called the show that will air tonight.

    — Two matches were taped today in Manchester, England for this Thursday’s episode of WWE Superstars: Ezekiel Jackson vs. Primo (with AJ), and Yoshi Tatsu vs. Zack Ryder.

    — The Nov. 5 episode of WWE SmackDown drew a 1.82 cable rating, with 2,772,000 viewers. It is the second highest rating for the program since moving to Syfy.

    — According to WWEDVDNews.com, WWE has plans to release a multi-disc DVD set on Hall of Famer “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase next year. The title is currently in production.

    — Today is Raw Superstar Ted DiBiase’s birthday. He turns 28 years old.

    source: PWInsider.com

  • *SPOILERS* For Tonight’s WWE RAW From Manchester, UK

    Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW is being taped on Monday afternoon from Manchester, England.

    Here are full results:

    – The show starts with John Cena coming down to the ring. Cena introduces Wade Barrett for his “homecoming.” Barrett vows to capture the WWE Championship at Survivor series from Randy Orton. Randy Orton comes down to the ring with Cena and Barrett. While all 3 men are in the ring, the Anonymous RAW General Manager sends in an alert, read by Michael Cole. It’s announced that the main event of tonight’s show will be a 10-man tag team match, with Randy Orton and Wade Barrett as opposing team captains. Barrett’s team will be Nexus members and the RAW GM will select Randy Orton’s 4 partners.

    – The Bella Twins and Eve defeated Maryse, Tamina and Alicia Fox. The Bella Twins switched places during the match, allowing one of them to get the win for their team.

    – The Uso Brothers defeated The Hart Dynasty with the Snukka Splash. David Hart Smith tried walking out of the match, but Natalya stopped him. The crowd was pretty dead for this one.

    – David Otunga vs. John Cena was announced for later in the show.

    – Santino Marella will host “Tea Team” tonight with his special guest, Sheamus.

    – Randy Orton cut a promo backstage. The Miz walked in and revealed that he is on Team Orton.

    – Goldust defeated Ted DiBiase Jr. Maryse tried to steal the million dollor belt during the match, but Aksana stole it back.

    – John Cena defeated David Otunga. The rest of Nexus left ringside for the match, continuing the angle that David Otunga is on his way out of Nexus. Cena got the win via submission with the STF.

    – It was announced that David Otunga will face Edge on Friday’s WWE Smackdown show. If Otunga loses the match, he is out of Nexus.

    – Sheamus defeated Santino Marella by disqualification. Santino was hosting a “Tea Party” segment with Sheamus as his guest when the Anonymous RAW GM booked them in a match. The finish came after Santino hit Sheamus with a low blow. After the match, Sheamus was beating Santino down until John Morrison made the save.

    – Backstage, Wade Barrett promised John Cena that Nexus will leave him alone if Barrett wins the WWE Championship at Survivor Series.

    – Nexus defeated Randy Orton, The Miz, Daniel Bryan, Mark Henry, and R-Truth. John Cena was the referee. Nexus got the win after The Miz struck Orton with the Money in the Bank briefcase.

  • John Cena & The Rock Considered For New Superman Movie

    The Superman movie franchise is being rebooted in 2012 and casting is already underway for the lead roles of Superman and his mild-mannered alter ego, Clark Kent.

    According to a few entertainment industry publications, both John Cena and Dwayne ‘The Rock” Johnson are being considered for the lead role in Superman: Man Of Steel.

    IMDB.com reports that the film is being executive produced by Christopher Nolan (“The Dark Knight”) and will be directed by Zach Snyder.

    Aside from John Cena and The Rock, actor Joe Manganiello (“Spider Man 3,” “True Blood”) is also being considered for the part.

    (Source: Examiner.com)

  • Update On Rey Mysterio’s Injury, Tonight’s Raw Taping, More

    — Rey Mysterio is active for the SmackDown brand’s live event tour of Europe, but has not been wrestling. An angle is taking place at live events where Mysterio comes out to face Alberto Del Rio in a match, but is then attacked. This subsequently leads to Kofi Kingston facing Del Rio.

    Mysterio is suffering from an inner ear imbalance—which is causing him dizziness and nausea.

    — Tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw will be pre-recorded due to the time difference in England. The event is being held at the Manchester Evening News Arena and begins at 2:30 p.m. EST.

    — WWE returns to the Cardiff International Arena in Cardiff, Wales on Apr. 19, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Nov. 10, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.

  • Divas Considered Safe From Expected Firings, Maxine Comments

    — The current Diva-exclusive season of NXT — coupled with an ongoing recruitment drive by WWE officials to hire more models, which it can train as professional wrestlers — indicate that cuts will be made to the female roster in due time.

    According to the UK based wrestling magazine, Power Slam, the list of females whose jobs are considered safe in the company is limited to Michelle McCool, Layla, Beth Phoenix, Maryse, Kelly Kelly, Melina, and “possibly” Natalya and Eve Torres.

    Those not listed are considered expendable by officials.

    — Maxine, who was eliminated from NXT on Tuesday’s show, commented on why she believes she was expelled from the contest in an interview with nxt.wwe.com.

    “The WWE Universe doesn’t always warm up to the bad girl. I think it’s much easier to really like somebody that’s overly perky and nice,” she stated. “I feel like I’m more of a leader, I’m not a follower. I make my own path and I think that’s the way to go.”

    — Besides a few people who viewed the script for Monday’s Raw, former talent Lita’s surprise appearance was kept a secret until she walked into the Nassau Coliseum. (source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

  • Cena Boosts Nexus Sales, Goldust Gets Stitches, Aksana

    — WWE Chief Operating Officer Donna Goldsmith said at Thursday’s investor conference call to company stockholders that sales of Nexus merchandise have increased since John Cena joined the pack.

    Update:

    — Goldust noted today on Twitter that he received stitches to his eye after suffering an injury during his match last night in Cardiff, Wales with Ted DiBiase.

    — The WWE website has released a soundboard highlighting NXT Rookie Diva Aksana’s most memorable remarks to date on NXT, such as “Billion Dollar Baby,” “Aksana Here Not By Mistake,” and “She Loves Her Dog.”

  • Match Announced For SmackDown, Update On Paul Bearer, More

    — As seen last night on SmackDown, MVP become the No. 1 contender to the Intercontinental Championship after defeating “Dashing” Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre in an Intercontinental Championship Qualifying Match. Next week, MVP will face Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler in a title match on SmackDown.

    — Thursday’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America scored a 0.64 cable rating, with 639,000 viewers. The midnight replay drew a 0.2 cable rating, with 174,000 viewers. (source: PWInsider.com)

    — Paul Bearer stated on his Twitter account that he is solely being used for television and pay-per-view events—no house shows. He will be flying to England for Tuesday’s SmackDown taping and returning stateside the next day.

  • Mind Behind Bryan’s “Nerd” Character, Bourne Hopeful For WM

    — The unique manner in which Daniel Bryan is being promoted on television — as a “nerd” character — is the brainchild of Vince McMahon. When Michael Cole chastises the United States Champion over commentary, it’s largely the WWE Chairman feeding Cole lines than Cole developing his own insults.

    — Evan Bourne is hopeful to return to the ring in time for WrestleMania after undergoing surgery on his shoulder. He is expected to be sidelined until at least February.

    — Jerry Lawler’s flight to Minneapolis for Bragging Rights caught on fire and had to make an emergency landing in Syracuse, New York. The WWE Hall of Famer made mention of it during the pay-per-view broadcast.

    source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • When Nexus Will Be Broken Up, Latest Name Discussed For HOF

    — The November programming schedule for WWE Classics on Demand has been released here.

    — J.J. Dillon’s name has been discussed for induction into next year’s WWE Hall of Fame class. Should it occur, it is expected that he would be inducted with the Four Horsemen as a group rather than by himself.

    — WWE’s creative department has discussed keeping The Nexus together through WrestleMania and then splitting the group via the annual Draft in April.

    source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • Gross Amount For Knucklehead, Former WWF Announcer Dies

    — Michael Porter, who worked as a ring announcer for World Wrestling Federation live events in the West Coast from 1988 to 1993, died on Oct. 23.

    His cause of death has yet to be disclosed, but it is said that he was having heart problems.

    — While the exact gross amount for the two-day theatrical release of WWE Studios’ Knucklehead has yet to be disclosed, the film reportedly garnered less than $1,000 total.

    It is said that company officials did not expect to make much money off the film at the box office due to it basically being a straight-to-video release. The film was given a limited release in theaters to ward off the perception.

    source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • Belief Within WWE That The Product Is Suffering, Ryan Touring

    — WWE’s creative department has not been getting much face time with Vince McMahon in recent weeks due to Linda McMahon’s U.S. Senate campaign. A number of people within the organization feel Vince has become obsessed with his wife’s political race, resulting in the television product suffering.

    — FCW Florida Heavyweight Champion Mason Ryan worked the opening night of SmackDown’s eleven-day live event tour of Europe, beating Chavo Guerrero Thursday night in Belfast, Ireland. The developmental wrestler also worked a dark match at Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in Bridgeport, Connecticut, defeating Trent Barreta.

    Finlay is also touring with the brand. He beat Tyler Reks in the opening match of the Belfast event.

    sources: Pro Wrestling Torch, PWInsider.com