SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • Triple H Suffers Torn Tendon, Out For Several More Months

    (Credit to f4wonline.com)

    The undisclosed operation that Triple H underwent this week was to repair a torn muscle tendon in his arm. Though he had been plagued recently by issues with both surgically-repaired quads and his neck, this is a new injury that may have been suffered while filming one of his two upcoming WWE Films. His planned SummerSlam return bout against Sheamus is likely out the window now as he is expected out for several months.

    Triple H was last seen on television being put out of action by Sheamus at the “Extreme Rules” pay-per-view in April where he lost a hellacious streetfight to the Celtic Warrior.

  • Carlito Says He Was Tired of WWE F***ing Around With Him

    Appearing on Monday’s edition of the Right After Wrestling Sirius satellite radio show, former WWE superstar Carlito opened up about being depressed and trying to leave the company on numerous occasions before he was finally released due to his refusal to enter rehab for an alleged pain pill addiction.

    On wanting to get the hell out of WWE:

    “I had been asking for my release for a long time. I tried to finish up my contract, which I think was up in August. I had been trying to leave for about three years. For the last year, I was just miserable. I wasn’t even myself. I was dying just to get away.”

    On being fired for a Wellness Policy infraction and refusing to go to rehab:

    “I wouldn’t say I got myself fired on purpose, but in that last year, I really didn’t care. They wanted me to go to rehab. My opinion was I didn’t need it. I’m not addicted to pills. I think what happened is I was depressed. I have scripts (for pain medication) legit reasons for using them. I think I was abusing them as anti-depressants instead. I remember other people not in WWE would tell me to go to rehab because it looks good on paper. I said, ‘One, I don’t want to keep my job. Two, I’m not going to admit to a problem I don’t have.’”

    On the grinding travel and not being utilized properly on television:

    “I was always grinding. I was always working. Mainly, my big problem was I thought they were f**king with me. I didn’t like the mind games and all the bulls*** they were putting me through. Maybe it was all in my head, but I just felt that’s what they were doing with me. I could never get a straight answer. I get sometimes you have to take a backseat, but how long am I supposed to sit in the back?”

    On dealing with the backstage politics and people’s claims that he was lazy:

    “I remember people would tell me to just play the game. I can’t just play the game. I can’t be fake. I love the business, I just don’t like the politics. I want to be able to help out and give back in somehow. In WWE, I wasn’t doing any of that. I also felt I was gypping the people (in WWE) putting in three-minute matches that didn’t mean anything. It just breaks your heart when you can give so much more.”

    It’s worth noting that in the same interview, Carlito did not rule out the possibility of going to TNA, though nothing appears imminent. Dixie Carter was most definitely interested in bringing him in at one point, but their priorities may have shifted given that they are spending less money to bring in big names these days.

  • Triple H Undergoes Surgery, Trailer For Elimination Chamber DVD

    — Triple H underwent an undisclosed operation as Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Dirk Hayhurst noted on his Twitter account signing a book for him while undergoing physical rehabilitation. He said the WWE Superstar had just undergone surgery.

    “Guess who I just signed a book for… Triple H of the WWE. Seriously, I just found myself next to him on a training table. Wow, Surreal,” Hayhurst said. “I did not get a pic, he was a tad out of it, fresh out of surgery so I didn’t want to hassle him. Besides, photo’s in hospitals are no no’s.”

    Triple H had been suffering from nagging neck and thigh injuries leading into WrestleMania, but has been off television due to filming two different movies. (source: www.f4wonline.com)

    — The trailer for WWE’s forthcoming DVD set chronicling the Elimination Chamber Match, Satan’s Prison- The Anthology of the Elimination Chamber, has been released. You can view the trailer, as well as the DVD’s cover art, here. This title is set for release next Tuesday.

    — Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston will be signing autographs at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California on Wednesday, August 18 from noon to 1:00 p.m. A SmackDown television taping will be taking place that evening in the arena.

  • Sheamus Calls The Nexus “Scumbags”, Talks About His Tan

    Here are excerpts of an interview conducted by John Sharp of the Peoria Journal Star with the reigning WWE champion, Sheamus:

    On becoming the first Irish-born WWE champion:

    “It meant everything. This has been a long journey. This is something I’ve always wanted to do, to be in the WWE since I was 4 or 5 years old. A lot of people will tell you to be realistic in school – that you can’t do this or can’t do that. They will tell you to find a 9-to-5 job and all of that. But we all have dreams.”

    On WWE placing a greater focus on younger stars recently:

    “I think it’s a good sign, and no matter what industry you are in, there is new talent coming no matter what. Guys like Cena and Orton have done a good job. The NXT guys are a bunch of scumbags as far as I’m concerned. As far as I’m concerned, I’m leading the flag. They’ll have to kick me out of the door there.”

    On his fantastic tan (I kid) and bright orange hair making him stand out more:

    “Being different is everything and it is an advantage. When you look at a WWE show, you will see someone with a beautiful Irish tan like myself and someone like Randy Orton with the snake-like features and the Big Show and people like Evan Bourne who is like a rubber band and can do anything, and a big mouth piece like The Miz. If everyone looked the same with tans, what would be the point? It’s like watching the same movie over and over again.”

    On who he would love to work with in the ring:

    “I’ve had a chance with Finlay. He’s always been a big hero of mine. We did cross paths with the No. 1 contendership battle royal. Stan Hansen, too. He was a big dude and took no prisoners and he was a hard hitter who everyone feared. Him and Finley would be my two biggest idols.”

    To read the full interview, click HERE.

  • EXCLUSIVE: What Would Happen if Mr. McMahon Joined Twitter

    Here’s a Solomonster Special, exclusively for the visitors of SEScoops.com!

    As you may know, Vince McMahon recently decreed that he wanted most of WWE’s main event talent to join the world of Twitter. Of course, he failed to include himself in that declaration. But imagine for a moment what it might be like if Mr. McMahon himself did, in fact, join the world’s most popular microblogging service. I imagine it would look a little something like this (in reverse chronological order):

    Got feedback? thesolomonster@gmail.com

    July 8, 2010

  • Two Returns Set For SummerSlam, Monday’s Raw Rating, More

    (sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, PWInsider.com)

    — Current plans call for SummerSlam to be built around the in-ring returns of Triple H and The Undertaker. Triple H would face Sheamus in a grudge match while Undertaker would face the perpetrator of placing him “in a vegetative state.”

    Additionally, a six-person tag match pitting David Hart Smith, Tyson Kidd and Natalya against Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso and Tamina is penciled in for the event.

    — Monday’s episode of Raw scored a 3.35 cable rating with 4.78 million viewers. The overall rating was up from last week’s 3.28 number. The first hour drew a 3.21 rating and the second hour grew to a 3.49.

    — Internally, many people are high on NXT Rookie Husky Harris — though most think his ring name is horrible. He is being compared to a young Dusty Rhodes, in the sense that he has a terrible looking physique but is quick and athletic. Like Rhodes, he is regarded as having the “it factor,” not to mention charisma. The son of Mike Rotundo is considered by many as the standout performer of the second season of NXT and has several supporters within the organization.

  • Jim Ross Predicts Big Buyrate for UFC, Dinner With Austin

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has posted his latest BBQ blog HERE. Here are some excerpts:

    “Guys that work at the gym I go to are still buzzing about the Lesnar-Carwin fight that we attended this past Saturday night. There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind who the top heavyweight in MMA is now. I expect the Lesnar fight to sell approximately 1.2 million PPV’s and that figure might be a touch low.”

    Solomonster Says: It wouldn’t surprise me at all if that were the case. I’m thinking it may actually be slightly less than that. UFC 116 had a lot of buzz going in, but it felt more subdued than the buzz 115 had, and that PPV did over 900,000 buys. Still, Brock is the biggest PPV draw in the game not named Mayweather.

    “We had dinner Friday night with Stone Cold and he never mentioned the RAW GM biz. I have no clue as to who will end up being revealed as the RAW GM but I’m enjoying the mystery. I think’ that when its finally revealed that we will all likely be surprised, perhaps shocked, and it might not be who many of us have on our own list of viable candidates.”

    Solomonster Says: The only thing shocking was the sheer number of people who wrote in after Monday night thinking it was actually Austin. I still say it’s Zombie Jack Tunney sending e-mails from the great beyond under his old Prodigy account.

    “Yes….The Nexus is a little NWO-like in many aspects except they are younger and have the majority of their careers ahead of them instead of behind them. I do think that the Nexus storyline is one of the better issues to come to RAW in quite some time.”

    Solomonster Says: No argument here. It’s easily the most compelling thing on Raw since the Taker/Michaels buildup heading into WrestleMania. It’s lost some steam, but they can still deliver a big payoff with it.

    “Nice use of Arn Anderson’s interview skills on Raw Monday night or so I thought. Before the emails roll in, yes, Double A would make someone a helluva ‘manager’ or mouth piece, but it certainly seems that the viable days of the wrestling manager have fallen by the wayside.”

    Solomonster Says: It really is a crime the way the art of the wrestling manager has been so totally squashed by Vince McMahon. So many guys would benefit from having someone like Arn at their side, and more talented mouths would have jobs, which is always a good thing.

    JR also discusses which talents from NXT Season 2 stand out to him thus far, former WWF announcer Kevin Kelly, and more.

  • Update On HHH’s Return, Talent Worried About Name Changes

    — Triple H’s much anticipated return to the squared circle appears imminent as “The Game” is featured on the cover of the latest issue of WWE Magazine.

    — In light of the recent name changes of Duke Rotundo and Joe Hennig (to Husky Harris and Michael McGillicutty, respectively), a number of generational performers in developmental are worried that WWE will change their respective names as well. At least one family is upset about the move. (source: www.f4wonline.com)

    — The official WWE website has added a profile on NXT ring announcer Jamie Keyes.

  • *Spoiler* – Updated Card For Money in the Bank Pay-Per-View

    Below is the updated card for WWE’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view following Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in Atlanta, Georgia. At the event, both Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler earned spots in the SmackDown Money in the Bank Ladder Match while a Women’s Championship Match between Layla and Kelly Kelly was announced.

    Here is the updated card:

    Steel Cage Match for the WWE Championship
    Sheamus (c) vs. John Cena

    World Heavyweight Championship Match
    Rey Mysterio (c) vs. Jack Swagger

    Raw Money in the Bank Ladder Match
    Randy Orton vs. John Morrison vs. Evan Bourne vs. The Miz vs. Ted DiBiase vs. Chris Jericho vs. Edge vs. Raw star TBA
    (Winner earns right to challenge the WWE Champion at any time, at any place, for up to one year)

    SmackDown Money in the Bank Ladder Match
    Big Show vs. Christian vs. Matt Hardy vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Kane vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Dolph Ziggler
    (Winner earns right to challenge World Heavyweight Champion at any time, at any place, for up to one year)

    Unified Tag Team Championship Match
    The Hart Dynasty (c) vs. Jimmy and Jey Uso

    WWE Women’s Championship Match
    Layla (c) vs. Kelly Kelly

  • Raw Superstars Have Their First Encounter With The Nexus

    Last night in Atlanta, following the conclusion of the Friday Night Smackdown taping, a 6 on 6 battle took place pitting Raw stars against members of The Nexus faction, sans Darren Young who was annihilated by John Cena on Monday night.

    John Cena, Randy Orton, Edge, Sheamus, John Morrison and Chris Jericho represented the Raw brand, though Sheamus, Edge and Jericho did walk out on their partners before the match started, leaving them at a severe disadvantage. Have no fear though as the babyfaces triumphed after Orton finished off David Otgunga with an RKO.

    In addition, during the “dark” portion of the event, Rey Mysterio defeated Jack Swagger, Kane and Big Show to retain his World Championship.

  • Superstars Preview, Lee Backstage At SmackDown Taping, More

    — Matches and segments taking place on this week’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America are as follows:

    * Yoshi Tatsu and Gail Kim vs. Primo and Jillian
    * Zack Ryder vs. Goldust
    * Kelly Kelly and Tiffany vs. Michelle McCool and Layla
    * Chris Masters holds a “Master Lock Challenge”

    — WWE developmental wrestler AJ Lee was backstage at last night’s SmackDown taping in Atlanta, but was not used during the live show. She traveled with the Raw crew the previous week and worked in the role of hostess at live events. She has been under contract to the organization since May 2009 and is believed to be the women’s wrestler most likely to be promoted to the main roster.

    — Lex Luger was among Google’s top searches Monday night as a result of a video package that aired on Raw highlighting his body slam of the 600-pound Yokozuna on July 4, 1993.

  • Guess Who’s Back? Friday Night Smackdown Spoilers from Atlanta

    Here is a quick rundown of tonight’s Smackdown taping results from Atlanta, airing this Friday night, with some thoughts from The Solomonster bolded throughout:

    – Drew McIntyre made his Smackdown return, begging Teddy Long to let him into the Money in the Bank match at the PPV. Teddy makes Drew beg for it, then says the only way he can get in is to defeat Kofi Kingston later in the show. Remind me to check with Drew the next time I get deported. I mean, talk about quick turnaround!

    – Dolph Ziggler def. Chavo Guerrero and MVP in a three-way qualifying match for the MITB spot, beating MVP with a sleeper. Who could possibly care?

    – Rey Mysterio was attacked backstage by Jack Swagger and put in an Anklelock, being dragged into the arena until Big Show made the save and carried Rey to the back. Good to see them booking Rey with respect this time around.

    – Vance Archer and Curt Hawkins def. Christian and Matt Hardy after Christian walked out on Matt Hardy’s gut. Doesn’t mean he’s turned heel as I presume they are just building heat for the MITB match.

    – Drew McIntyre def. Kofi Kingston to qualify for the MITB match.

    – Luke Gallows and C.M. Punk come out to the ring. Gallows calls out Serena and verbally tears into her after she begs for forgiveness. Punk said it’s his decision to make, not Luke’s, and he forgives her. Gallows leaves the ring. Serena promises to never disappoint him again and Punk says she better not. They hug and Gallows looks on from the ramp in disapproving fashion. CM Punk is so far and above as a heel, it’s not even funny.

    – “Dashing” Cody Rhodes def. JTG. He now stops to look in a mirror during his entrance. HBK, you are not!

    – Kelly Kelly will take on Layla at MITB PPV. Layla interrupts and Kelly slaps her. Michelle McTaker came to the rescue. LayCool beat down Kelly. Rest in peace, young lady.

    – Jack Swagger battled Big Show to a double COR. After the match, Kane grabs Swagger backstage and pulls him into the RED ROOM OF DEATH and accuses him of injuring the Undertaker. Swagger denies it and says he has an alibi and will prove it next week. Kane says he had better, or else he will be condemned to hell. That’s pretty harsh, no? Did Swagger spill coffee on Kane? We all know he can get pretty emotional when that happens.

  • Is Something BIG Planned for Smackdown/NXT Taping Tonight?

    (credit to f4wonline.com)

    While nobody seems to know what it is, it’s being reported that something big has been planned for tonight’s Smackdown/NXT taping at the Phillips Arena in Atlanta, GA. Not sure if the two are connected, but Drew McIntyre may be making his return tonight as well. It is scheduled to be a WWE Supershow taping featuring stars from both brands.

    Comment: I can guarantee that however big it may be, it cannot possibly be as big as Matt Hardy’s gut.

  • Latest On Wade Barrett & Drew McIntyre

    source: www.f4wonline.com

    Drew McIntyre’s visa issue has been solved as he appeared at last night’s SmackDown live event in Savannah, Georgia to cut a promo. It is expected that McIntyre will be reinstated to the SmackDown brand at tonight’s television taping.

    After losing to Matt Hardy on the June 25 edition of SmackDown, Theodore Long informed McIntyre that his work visa had expired and that he would be deported back to Scotland immediately. This storyline had a basis in reality, since his visa had indeed expired and as a result he was taken off television.

    Meanwhile, Wade Barrett returned to Raw last night after resolving his own visa problems. Both Barrett and McIntyre paid visits to their home countries last week to fill out necessary paperwork pertaining to their respective visas. In that regard, everything is said to be fine now.

    For those curious about Sheamus’ legality, he had his visa taken care of in late May. He, Barrett and McIntyre were simultaneously signed to developmental contracts in April 2007 following tryout matches during WWE’s annual European spring tour.

  • WWE Running Its First Live Event in China This Summer

    WWE issued the following release this morning:

    WWE(R) Debuts in China at Expo 2010 Shanghai

    STAMFORD, Conn., Jul 06, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. and Expo 2010 Shanghai today announced that they will present the first live sports entertainment event in China on Sunday, August 22 at 7 PM (local Shanghai time) in the Expo Cultural Center. The 90 minute event, titled “WWE Raw(R) Presents SummerSlam(R)” will feature WWE Superstars John Cena(R), Rey Mysterio(R), Chris Jericho(R) and others.

    “WWE Raw Presents SummerSlam” is free of charge to Expo attendees on August 22. Tickets can be obtained at the Expo Cultural Center from 9:30am the day of the event. WWE expects to fill the 8,000 person arena capacity. WWE will be one of about 15 shows performing on the main stage at the Expo Cultural Center, which is the newest, most state-of-the-art arena in China.

    “WWE is honored that the Chinese government and Expo 2010 Shanghai have offered us this rare, historic opportunity to perform at the successful Shanghai World Expo,” said WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. “We are thankful to be allowed to entertain the attendees and our fans in the region at Expo 2010 Shanghai.”

    Expo 2010 Shanghai opened on May 1 to great international fanfare and will run until October 31, 2010. More than 240 countries and international organizations are participating in Expo 2010 Shanghai, with about 145 international pavilions. Many world leaders have attended during the first month, including United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, President of France Nicolas Sarkozy, and many others.

    Expo 2010 Shanghai expects to see more than 70 million visitors from around the world, and has already had more than 10 million attend.

    The theme of Expo 2010 Shanghai is “Better City, Better Life,” representing the common wish of the whole humankind for a better living in future urban environments. Through different sub-themes, Expo 2010 Shanghai will create blueprints for future cities and harmonious urban life styles, providing an extraordinary educational and entertaining platform for visitors of all nations.

    WWE opened an office in Shanghai in 2007, introducing its unique brand of sports entertainment content to China, and has steadily grown in awareness and popularity. This will be the first opportunity for Chinese fans to sample the live event part of the WWE experience.

  • Sound Off 115: TNA Delivers Fun Show, Russo Nowhere In Sight

    Solomonster Sounds Off

    DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
    Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 115)
    *right-click, “Save As”, or stream it!

    Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 21 minutes

    Solomonster gives his thoughts on TNA’s Brooklyn debut and words with Jeff Hardy, Brock Lesnar submitting Shane Carwin at UFC 116, Ricky Steamboat’s condition and last week’s Nexus angle, updates on Wade Barrett and Drew McIntyre, Bret Hart’s response to the Martha Hart lawsuit and more!

    Want your question on the air? Send feedback to THESOLOMONSTER@gmail.com.

    Wanna subscribe to the Sound Off via iTunes? CLICK HERE!

    Visit The Solomonster on Twitter @ twitter.com/solomonster

  • New Title Match Added to Money in the Bank PPV

    -As announced on Raw tonight, the Hart Dynasty will defend their Unified Tag Team titles against Jimmy and Jay Uso.

    -Regarding the anonymous Raw GM, it’s not Steve Austin.

  • Update On The Undertaker, Syfy Promoting SmackDown, More

    (partial source: www.f4wonline.com)

    — The Undertaker, who takes his role with WWE very seriously, ultimately did not attend Saturday’s UFC 116 event due to the ongoing “vegetative state” storyline.

    — A commercial promoting Friday Night SmackDown’s forthcoming Syfy debut is scheduled to air tomorrow, likely during NXT.

    — It’s interesting to note that Wade Barrett is today’s “Superstar of the Day” on WWE.com.

  • Anonymous GM kicks off Raw with Nexus Announcement

    – WWE.com has announced that tonight’s RAW will open with its anonymous General Manager announcing the fate of The Nexus after their recent attacks on John Cena, Bret Hart, Vince McMahon and the WWE Legends.

    While the item does not mention this, it is believed that with his visa issues now behind him, Wade Barrett will be back on the show tonight as well. There will be no guest host.

  • Update On NXT Star’s Injury, Paul Bearer Risen From The Grave

    (partial source: www.f4wonline.com)

    — NXT Rookie Alex Riley is booked to compete in a match on Tuesday’s episode of NXT, but may be pulled after suffering a wound to the back of his head at Thursday’s Florida Championship Wrestling television taping in Tampa, Florida. The injury is said to not be serious.

    — The Undertaker’s former manager, Paul Bearer, recently resurfaced under the guise of his alternate wrestling persona, Percy Pringle III. Promoting his managerial appearance for the National Wrestling Alliance in a video promo, Pringle makes an inside reference to his WWE character being killed off, saying, “And now I’m back. After a long, long absence. Yes, some say I’ve risen from the grave. Oh yes indeed!”

    To view his promo, click here.

    — No guest host was announced for tomorrow’s Raw, which takes place in Nashville, Tennessee. As of yesterday, the creative team had not fully completed writing the show.

  • Update On “The Chaperone”, R-Truth Working On New Theme

    — According to WWE Magazine’s “Best of WWE” Special Issue, which was released last Tuesday, WWE Studios’ upcoming comedy film starring Paul “Triple H” Levesque will be released in theaters next summer. Also note, the magazine refers to the film as Inside Out, but it has since been changed to The Chaperone. The film is currently being filmed in New Orleans, Louisiana.

    — R-Truth revealed in an interview with WWE Magazine that he has another entrance theme in the works which would be specifically performed at pay-per-view events.

    “The new song is called “Right Time,” R-Truth told WWE Magazine. “It’s hip-hop with some metal guitars in it. The lyrics will encourage crowd participation, too. The song just talks about going through life, doing the right things and keeping your head up.

    — Former WWE ring announcer Lilian Garcia is auctioning off several new items worn on television and in photo shoots, including the top worn during her infamous “The People’s Strudel” interview with The Rock. You can view the auctions here.

  • WWE Offering “The Best of Lesnar”, Fatal 4-Way DVD Cover Art

    — Apparently taking advantage of the hoopla surrounding Brock Lesnar’s mixed martial arts fight with Shane Carwin, World Wrestling Entertainment is offering various matches featuring the former WWE Champion via Comcast On Demand. Fans can see Lesnar battle the elite Superstars of sport-entertainment including: The Rock, John Cena, Randy Orton, Eddie Guerrero, Ric Flair, Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam, The Big Show, The Undertaker, Goldberg and Rey Mysterio.

    To see these matches, Comcast subscribers should check out their On Demand guide under: Sports & Fitness > UFC WWE & Boxing > WWE: Brock Lesnar. Each match is only $1.99. “The Best of Brock Lesnar” is available through July 19.

    — The cover art for WWE’s Fatal Four-Way DVD has been released. The cover, which features Rey Mysterio, Sheamus, Alicia Fox and the Nexus logo, can be viewed here. While the cover may appear to be a placeholder cover, it is actually not. This title will be released on July 20.

    — The July 3 edition of WWE Vintage Collection featured these matches (thanks to Devin Cutting): Eddie Guerrero vs. Chavo Guerrero (Great American Bash ’98); Robert Gibson vs. Richard Morton (Great American Bash ’91); Dusty Rhodes vs. Barry Windham (Great American Bash ’88).

  • Brock Lesnar Wins At UFC 116 & His Next Opponent Revealed

    UFC Heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar defeated Shane Carwin on Saturday night at UFC 116 by submission in the second round of the fight.

    Carwin came out strong in the first round, dropping Lesnar with a vicious uppercut and almost putting the champion away with a fury of ground and pound. Lesnar survived the round and came back strong in the second round, making Carwin submit from an arm-triangle choke.

    After the fight, Lesnar thanked referee Josh Rosenthal for not stopping the fight when he appeared to be in trouble. Lesnar said:

    “He hit me pretty good, and I don’t know, I ended up there on the ground. I just had to go into survival mode and stay busy. I really have to thank the referee for allowing that thing to go on. I wasn’t hurt. I thought if I just kept moving — I could feel Shane’s punches getting less and less — and I thought, well, if I can get out of here then I’m just going to exert a lot energy. I realized there was [not a lot of time left], so I just tried to stay busy. He’s a beast. He definitely won the first round [laughs].”

    Former WWE personalities Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Steve Austin, Jim Ross and Bill Goldberg were shown in attendence. Lesnar’s longtime friend Paul Heyman was also with Lesnar throughout the weekend.

    At the post-show press conference, UFC President Dana White announced that Lesnar’s next title defense will be against undefeated heavyweight Cain Velasquez. No date has been announced, but the fight is expected to take place later this year.

  • Name Under Consideration For Raw GM, Undertaker-McCool, More

    — Abraham Washington is under consideration for the Raw General Manager position. He was reportedly slated for the role a few months ago before it was assigned to Bret Hart.

    — To correct an earlier report, Mark Calaway (a/k/a The Undertaker) and Michelle McCool’s wedding actually took place in Austin, Texas, where the two reside. It was originally reported that the wedding took place in Houston.

    — WWE’s forthcoming DVD set highlighting Friday Night SmackDown! in 2010 is scheduled for release on October 25, 2010, according to WWE Magazine’s “Best of WWE” Special Issue.

  • Several Stars On Hand For UFC 116, Another Hart WWE-Bound?

    — A number of names with ties to the world of professional wrestling were mentioned as attending Saturday’s UFC event in Las Vegas including Dwayne Johnson, Steve Austin, Bill Goldberg, Jim Ross and Batista. There were people saying that The Undertaker had specifically said he would be attending the event. On another note, Paul Heyman stayed at the house Brock Lesnar rented this past week to prepare for his fight against Shane Carwin.

    — Teddy Hart, who was suspended by AAA earlier this year, has now been officially released. His father, B.J., told AAA that Hart had received an offer from WWE. He was reportedly released for his own safety as more than half the locker room wanted to kill him.

    — As of Saturday, Wade Barrett was scheduled for Monday’s Raw taping in Nashville. His visa issues were resolved this past week.