SEScoops

Category: WWE

  • WWE Regrets Cutting Mickie James, Searching For Assistance

    (sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Pro Wrestling Torch)

    Beth Phoenix’s injury two weeks ago during a Superstars taping was significantly worse than originally let on. During a bout with Rosa Mendes, she jumped off the turnbuckle, resulting in her left knee giving out. She was diagnosed with a bone bruise, a torn and displaced meniscus — a sprained MCL and a torn ACL — which required surgery. She underwent the surgery yesterday in Birmingham, Alabama under Dr. James Andrews and is expected to be out of action for approximately six months.

    Initial reaction to the seriousness of her injury is that a lot of people within WWE now regret cutting Mickie James loose last month, since the company is left with marginal depth on the SmackDown babyface side. It’s said that James’ behavior on the European tour was the deciding factor in letting her go. However, her release had been brewing as there was talk of cutting her prior WrestleMania due to her behavior. Notably, James had a few run-ins with Batista with things becoming so heated that he threatened to quit if she wasn’t fired. Undertaker had to step in to calm him down.

    There was talk this week of moving Gail Kim over to SmackDown, or signing someone outside the company who can work. With Lisa Marie Varon’s contract with TNA expiring this week, there is a chance the company may re-sign her. However, her age is a huge question not to mention that she said some things disparaging the company after she left that could possibly hurt her if people remember them. Most notably, she took part in a pseudo-shoot segment last December railing her previous employer, emotionally saying she broke her two-year contract with WWE to come to TNA. She also said she left WWE because she didn’t want to be remembered as a ‘joke’.

  • Miami’s Sports Commissioner Pushing For WrestleMania 2012

    Miami Sports Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz is working hard to bring WrestleMania to his city in 2010, according to the Miami Today Newspaper. The paper writes that Diaz has been “relentless” in his efforts to secure the big event.

    “Whether it be the Super Bowl or WrestleMania, any sporting event will be significant in creating revenue and jobs for the people. What’s important to our community is extremely important to us,” Commissioner Diaz said.

    Economic impact studies have found that WrestleMania brings an estimated $50 million to the host city’s economy and roughly 65% of the fans who attend are from outside a 100 mile radius of the host city.

    He added. “We have hosted 10 Super Bowls thus far. No one has yet to accomplish this feat. The bid to host the WrestleMania experience will persist until we are chosen.”

    14 cities were in the running to host WrestleMania in the next two years. Atlanta won for 2011 and we’ll find out next February which of the other 13 cities will host WrestleMania 2012.

  • Ultimate Warrior Shoots HARD On Ted DiBiase Sr.

    The Ultimate Warrior has posted another (very long) blog on his website firing back at the “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase’s comments that he doesn’t belong in the WWE Hall of Fame because he was a terrible worker and a didn’t appreciate what the industry did for him.

    Read More: Ted DiBiase Sr. Talks Trash About The Ultimate Warrior

    Warrior shoots HARD on DiBiase .. Here are just a few quotes from Warrior man:

    DiBiase’s Christianity & Past Sins: “Let’s be honest, here, Father Teddy. (What irony, having to instruct a man-of-the-cloth to be honest.)  It was never guilt that made you change your ways to become a man of God. It was gluttony — and your dark desire to continue getting away with it. You’ve never had the discipline, in your whole life, to restrain your appetites for anything — and you still don’t. All you’ve done is substitute vices and indulgences. When you were in the business and your ego was powered by your gimmick and your fame and celebrity, you were gluttonous for sluts and salacious thoughts and living. When it was all over, the superficiality of celebrity was gone and you had nothing to cling to anymore to cover up your natural repulsiveness. Even the worst whores have standards. Once you were nothing, without the TV and the Million Dollar Man gimmick (which WWF footed the entire bill for), they wanted nothing to do with you anymore. You crawled home on your knees to your wife and God, all seemingly in the desire to be forgiven. But all you’ve truly done is use religion as an excuse and means to continue getting away with other forms of self-indulgent gluttony.”

    DiBiase Calling Himself a Warrior: “Let’s get real, Teddy. You certainly never, ever came close to looking or acting like a warrior at any time during your life. On some level, it seems to me and I imagine many others, associating oneself with the concept “warrior” should or would have something to do with self-discipline, meaningful sacrifices, inner strength, digging deep within oneself to be the best one can be, integrity, honor, etc. More especially so in your case, now, since your goal as a man-of-the-cloth is to guide people away from the forces that lure them to be the worst they can be. And to do this you use the Bible’s inspiring stories of warrior-like individuals who practiced these honorable virtues, right?”

    Warrior’s Success vs. DiBiase’s: “You say the only time I had a great match was when someone was leading me around by the nose. Once and for all, let’s stop the bullshit and put things in no uncertain terms: without guys like me, Ted Dibiase, you never would have worked a Main Event match in the WWF.

    “You were so smart about the business, Teddy, you were too stupid to figure out how it really works. Guys like you funded petty cash. Guys like me — and Hogan and Savage at the time — paid the mortgages and the travel bills and the production costs of the whole operation. Your profit making contribution was like hitting three cherries on a nickel slot machine. Mine was like hitting the Powerball Jackpot. I earned my limousine. Yours was provided as part of your silly gimmick. Reality check: my quarterly royalty checks were for more money than you made in a whole year. It was never about who could draw money with a guy like you — it was always about who could draw money with a guy like me. Guys like you were one-of-many. Guys like me were one-of-a-kind.”

    Satan’s Pig: “I really think this is where you fail the best in being a fraud, a hypocrite — a real snake-oil salesman. In fact, you fail so successfully at gluttony, I think you missed the calling of what would have been your best gimmick. The one that truly fits: Satan’s Pig. You are the embodiment of Satan’s Pig. Your face, body, mind and spirit provide the perfect image of it. Amazing, isn’t it? After all these years of stumbling around to squeeze yourself to a gimmick, you finally come face to face with your best gimmick — the real you.”

    This stuff is just the tip of the iceberg – Warrior goes in-depth on his relationship with Vince McMahon as well as paragraph after paragraph of why he thinks DiBiase is a complete hypocrite and a fake Christian.

    To read Warrior’s full blog entry, visit UltimateWarrior.com.

  • JR Blog: Another Update On His Future, Sting In WWE

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com.

    Here are some highlights of what JR said about:

    Sting In WWE: “Will Sting ever wrestle in WWE? Damned if I know. Does he really ‘need’ to wrestle in WWE? I wonder why Sting at this stage of his life is even wrestling in TNA. I do think that Sting can make significant money when he fulfills his TNA obligation by participating in a DVD covering his career that WWE can produced using the multiple hours of tape from Crockett and WCW of Sting. I actually called some of his earliest matches in his career,I mean very early, when he teamed with ‘Rock’ aka Ultimate Warrior as the Bladerunners that were going to be Bill Watts’ counter to the Road Warriors. Those tapes are owned by Ene Watts and family but WWE should continue to try and buy this timeless library.”

    Working With Jerry Lawler Again: “The King and I are brainstorming about doing some appearances together in the upcoming months to put the old, Raw broadcast team back together and have some fun.”

    His Professional Future: “We’re having an interesting week on the professional front. Not much more I can say than that but multiple things are in motion and somewhere soon I want to fish or cut bait. I apologize if this insane ordeal seems to be dragging on endlessly but I am in a very unique position not only as it relates to opportunities outside my usual areas of expertise but the option to not do any thing full time and work on the book and make a few appearances which has been suggested to me by those close to the situation. That feels like semi retirement and I really dislike the ‘retirement’ word. Then on the other hand, there are areas of interest that I have that would be new and likely invigorating. Sitting in the back yard by the pool working on my first book does have some merit. Or moving to another locale IE Hawaii and doing more writing is another thought. I kinda like that idea.”

  • Updated Card For ROH’s ‘Death Before Dishonor’ Online PPV

    Here’s the updated lineup for Ring of Honor’s upcoming Death Before Dishonor online pay-per-view on June 19th from Toronto:

    * ROH Champion Tyler Black vs. Davey Richards.

    * ROH Tag Team champions The Kings of Wrestling vs. The Briscoe Brothers

    * Christopher Daniels vs. Kenny Omega

    * Kevin Steen vs. El Generico

    Check out ROH’s video preview of the Black vs. Richards main event:

    For more information, visit ROHwrestling.com.

  • Jericho Says He’s In His Prime With No Plans To Retire

    WWE RAW superstar Chris Jericho’s band Fozzy did an autograph signing in Canada on Monday to promote their new album Chasing The Grail.

    Jericho was interviewed by the Fight Network and said he’s at the peak of his wrestling career right now with no plans of retiring or taking time off. Jericho said:

    “I never intended on retiring five years ago when I left. I just needed a break and I wanted to come back and be better than I had ever been,” Jericho said. “I think the work I’ve done over the last few years is the best of my career. There’s no reason to retire at this point. I’m still enjoying it and I’m in great physical condition. More importantly, I’m in great mental condition. That’s the most important thing.”

    Here’s some video footage from the signing:

  • WWE RAW Rating, Miz Talks About His Locker Room Heat

    – Monday’s episode of WWE Monday Night RAW from Toronto, Ontario, Canada featuring Buzz Aldrin as guest host and John Cena vs. Sheamus in the main event scored a 3.4 cable rating and averaged4.9 million viewers. The show did hours hourly ratings of 3.37 and 3.50.

    – In an interview with ToledoFreePress.com, RAW superstar The Miz says he got very little respect in the WWE locker room when he first came to the company – despite (or maybe because of) his reality TV past:

    “I never considered it a free pass, but everyone in the locker room couldn’t stand me. I’ve always been hated, just because I’m an outsider. And I kinda like being an outsider. I’d rather be an outsider than be just like everybody else.”

  • Shelton Benjamin To Return To WWE?, “Superstars” Preview

    — One WWE source indicated that it would not be surprising to see the recently released Shelton Benjamin return to the organization.

    Just before his termination last month, Benjamin returned to college. He will be receiving his degree at the end of this semester from the University of Minnesota.

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

    * Christian vs. Dolph Ziggler
    * Cody Rhodes vs. Chris Masters
    * William Regal vs. Goldust
    * Santino Marella vs. Vladimir Kozlov

    — The latest issue of WWE Magazine is on sale now and features John Cena on the cover. Inside is a feature article determining whether there is any stipulation match he is vulnerable to.

  • WWE In 3D, Animated Show WWE Show On Nickelodeon?

    – WWE is planning a 3D special for next year, likely to take place at a SmackDown on SyFy show, reports f4wonline.com.

    – WWE COO Donna Goldsmith said yesterday at the JP Morgan Global Technology, Media and Telecom Conference that WWE has had talks with Nickelodeon about bringing an animated TV series to the network.

    – Goldsmith also said she recently talked with Vince McMahon about how WWE has walked away from their older audience in recent years and talked about new ideas to get that audience back. Goldsmith said McMahon suggested a “Legends” show featuring WWE superstars from the 80s and 90s.

    — NXT Rookie David Otunga will be appearing on VH1’s Behind the Music for his fiancee Jennifer Hudson. The show premieres on Monday, June 28th at 9pm.

    – SmackDown’s Shad Gaspard and former WWE star Mark “Muhammad Hassan” Copani are currently working together on a graphic novel titled “Assassin & Son: Path of Vengeance”.  The series will be published by Black Line Comics.

  • Beth Phoenix Has Surgery, Punk Misses Weekend Shows & More

    – WWE Diva Beth Phoenix had successful ACL surgery this morning in Birmingham, Alabama. She wrote on Twitter today:

    “All done!! They said they used extr parts from RoboC op’s knee surgery and spare tissue from a Liger. I feel great!!”

    Related: Pictures Of A Young Beth Phoenix (Pre-WWE)

    – With Beth Phoenix out of action, there’s a major shortage of female talent on the SmackDown brand. Phoenix is considered one of WWE’s best in-ring female workers, so the company is seeking a skilled wrestler [not just another barbie doll diva] for the SmackDown brand.

    – Raw returns to Mexico with a four-night tour this October.

    – CM Punk was given a rare weekend off this past Saturday and Sunday, reports f4wonline.com. Company sources indicate it was a planned weekend off and not due to him being injured.

    Luke Gallows and the mystery man recently seen assisting the Straight Edge Society on television worked while he was a away. The mystery man’s name was not indicated as he was still treated as a mystery member of the Straight Edge Society.

  • Major Setback For Linda McMahon’s Senate Opponent

    Linda McMahon’s chances of becoming a United States Senator in November are looking a lot better today after a report in the New York Times reveals that Richard Blumenthal, the Democrats’ nominee front runner, lied about being a Vietnam war veteran. The NYT’s Raymond Hernandez wrote yesterday:

    At a ceremony honoring veterans and senior citizens who sent presents to soldiers overseas, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut rose and spoke of an earlier time in his life.

    “We have learned something important since the days that I served in Vietnam,” Mr. Blumenthal said to the group gathered in Norwalk in March 2008. “And you exemplify it. Whatever we think about the war, whatever we call it  — Afghanistan or Iraq  — we owe our military men and women unconditional support.”

    There was one problem: Mr. Blumenthal, a Democrat who is now running for the United States Senate, never served in Vietnam. He obtained at least five military deferments from 1965 to 1970 and took repeated steps that enabled him to avoid going to war, according to records.

    McMahon’s Republican opponent, Rob Simmons, issued a statement saying he is “deeply troubled” by the allegations against Blumenthal.

    “As someone who served, I respect Richard Blumenthal for wearing the uniform, but I am deeply troubled by allegations that he has misrepresented his service,” Simmons said. “Too many have sacrificed too much to have their valor stolen in this way. I hope Mr. Blumenthal steps forward and forthrightly addresses the questions that have arisen about this matter.”

    Political blogger Kevin Rennie sheds more light on how the story broke – it was apparently the result of a $16 million effort on Linda’s part to dig up dirt on Blumenthal, the man who would most likely be her Senate race opponent, should they both get nominated by their respective parties:

    “The Blumenthal Bombshell comes at the end of more than 2 months of deep, persistent research by Republican Linda McMahon’s Senate campaign.  It gave the explosive Norwalk video recording to The Times.  This is what comes of  $16 million, a crack opposition research operation and an opponent who, in the words of the president Blumenthal worked for on a draft deferment, who gave them the sword.”

  • What Happened Before & After RAW From Toronto

    Here’s a recap of what took place before and after Monday’s WWE RAW from Toronto:

    Dark Match

    – Primo Colon

    WWE Superstars Tapings:

    – Vladimir Kozlov beat Santino Marella.

    – Goldust beat William Regal.

    Dark Match Main Event:

    – WWE Champion John Cena retained his title against Batista. Batista was delivering a beatdown on Cena as RAW was going after the air and put the champion in his modified-STF submission hold. When the cameras stopped rolling, Batista released Cena, grabbed a microphone and demanded a title match right then and there. During the match, Batista went for his submission hold again but Cena powered out of it. Cena hit the Attitude Adjustment for the pin. Cena celebrated his victory with fans outside the ring.

  • New RAW GM Next Week, Brett DiBiase Has Surgery & More

    – It was announced during Monday’s WWE Raw that a new general manager will be introduced on next week’s show. Vickie Guerrero pleaded with Buzz Aldrin and insisted that she resigned last week under duress, but Aldrin said WWE headquarters informed him of the news and her [brief] time as RAW GM is over.

    – Brett DiBiase had knee surgery on Monday in Alabama with Dr. James Andrews, reports f4wonline.com. The damage to his knee wasn’t as bad as originally thought and he will likely make a full recovery. Before the injury, DiBiase was scheduled to be called up to the RAW roster with his brother Ted.

    – In an update to the earlier injury post on John Morrison, it sounds like he wasn’t hurt in the match with Vladimir Kozlov after all, a match that only lasted a minute or two. Morrison was seen outside of the arena before the show greeting fans and was noticeably limping around and moving slower than usual.

  • WWE RAW Results From Toronto (5/17)

    Report by Kendra:

    This week’s commercial free RAW starts with music and pyro.

    Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart’s music and he comes out in a Blue Jays jersey with his name on the back and the number 1. Standing ovation for Bret, of course. He says it’s been a long time. Last week watching RAW on TV, he couldn’t believe his ears, that Miz would have the nerve to challenge him to a US Championship Match, here in Toronto. He called WWE HQ and told them to book it. Sometimes you jump into things, but he’s had a week to think about it. He doesn’t want to be one of those old wrestlers who hold on and keep wrestling. He doesn’t want to disappoint anybody, but he won’t be wrestling tonight. Jericho’s music and he comes stomping out with that sour look on his face. Jericho stared at Bret, all squinty. He has one question for Bret. Why? He says he was starting to explain… No, Jericho says, why did he come back to the WWE. He’s a shell of himself. He used to be the Hitman, one of the best of all time. Now he’s out tarnishing his legendary status. He doesn’t want to hang on? Too late. He’s become the ultimate hypocrite, bigger than all these people. That’s why he was screwed in Montreal and he deserved it. Bret asked when the last time Jericho took a good look at himself? He remembered this young kid hanging out trying to become a wrestler, but was usually off getting a drink. Jericho’s a phony and should look at himself. Jericho says he’s better than Bret ever was. He’s the best there is, was and ever will be and everyone knows it. Why did Bret come back to say no? he had to hear them chant his name one last time. Hoping to feel like he matters. He doesn’t. the only person in the locker room who matters is Jericho. Sad that all his fans are sickened to see what he’s become. Nobody wants Bret here any more. “We want Bret!” chants. What it all boils down to is his Legacy boils down to what happens tonight. Everyone will always remember he was too scared to take on the Miz. Bret means nothing. The Hart family means nothing. His father would be so ashamed. Bret told Jericho to tell Miz to put his boots on. Jericho says Bret’s a conman. He’ll get intentionally disqualified to get out of this match. If Bret’s anything he’ll make this match No DQ, what do you think about that Hitman? Bret says he wouldn’t have it any other way. Bret says after tonight he’ll be walking around with the US Championship and the Hart Dynasty will wipe the floor with them this Sunday, continuing to be Unified Tag Team Champions.

    King and Cole say they’re commercial free, except in Canada.

    WWE Shop commercial. Khali in a compact, Hornswoggle in a Hummer. Khali was not happy. Too funny!

    Edge out to the ring. Edge says Wayne Brady, Meatloaf, Vickie. Orton thinks he can RKO people at will. He thinks he can walk in and RKO him? Wait until Over The Limit, he won’t… Christian’s music and he comes out. Edge looks shocked. Christian smiles to the fans.

    Edge sizes up his former brother. They lock up, Christian gets the upper hand. Christian takes Edge down again and he looks shocked. Arm bar on Christian. Edge runs the ropes, back elbow to Edge and Christian pin briefly. Again, much staring. Bitch slap from Edge, then he flees the ring. Christian after Edge, Edge takes advantage as they return to the ring. Christian slides between Edge’s legs and bitch slaps Edge. Then bitch slap him harder! Christian lands standing on Edge’s back. Christian out but Edge avoids the upper cut. Edge out and Christian double kicks between the ropes. Christian then flies out and lands on Edge. Christian rushes Edge who sidesteps. Christian hit’s the barrier. The ref counts. Edge back in. Christian makes it back in, barely, before ten. Edge starts kicking and stomping Christian. Edge working that left shoulder that hit the barrier. Christian is slightly bleeding from the mouth, as he did last week on SD! Christian fights back but then runs into Edge’s shoulder. Edge taunts the fans and Christian. Edge stomps Christian, then grabs that left arm. Edge pulls that arm down hard. Edge slams down and then an arm hold. Edge really wrenches on that arm. Christian tries to fight out, but can’t. Christian counters into a headlock. Edge gets a hammerlock on that arm. Edge slams him back into a corner. Edge dives at Christian, but Christian, moves, but then Edge slams Christian back to the mat for two. King and Cole talk about how it’s like wrestling yourself because they know each other so well. Edge on Christian in a corner. The ref backs Edge off. Christian slaps Edge a lot again. Christian up top. Edge goes up but is punched off. Christian manages a tornado DDT for two. Punches to Edge’s head, then a forearm to the face. Christian runs into a back elbow, but then flapjacks Edge. Christian climbs and dropkicks Edge for a long two. Christian gets the peeps going. Edge fights back. Edge counters the killswitch. Christian hits drop toe hold then hits Edge when he lands outside. Christian climbs and flies, but Edge moves. Edge hit’s a DDT on Christian and pins for two. Christian rolls Edge up for two. Christian ducks Edge, but then a forearm to Christian’s upper back. Christian counters the spear and hit’s a sunset flip for two. Edge slams Christian down on the shoulder. Edge sets Christian up for the spear again. Christian moves again and then flips his feet up, kicking Edge. Flying elbow to Edge. Christian couldn’t hit the killswitch. Edge manages the spear for three.

    – Winner: Edge

    Edge flat on his back on the mat, the ref checking on him. He’s selling well, looks out of it, then poses. Orton on the tron. He congratulates Edge on his win. He doesn’t get why Christian’s out there, because that’s not who Edge’s facing tonight. GONG! Orton smirks. Edge just shakes his head. Out comes the Deadman! Edge drops out of the ring and stares in awe. Edge stares, holds his head, shakes his head, then finally back in the ring.

    Edge back out to the apron. The ref stars counting. Taker’s pacing. Edge drop to the floor. Edge shakes his head and won’t get in.

    – Winner: Taker via Countout

    Edge smirks. Christian, from behind Edge, sends Edge into the ring. Chokeslam to Edge. Taker leaves, Edge doesn’t move.

    Video of Cena and Batista’s feud, including the duct tape. They will be facing off in an I Quit Match this coming Sunday at Over The Limit.

    Magazing with Trish on the cover. Maryse doesn’t understand why that Canadian thinks she’s a star. The makeup artist thinks Maryse is Canadian. Maryse says she’s French Canadian. Maryse then rips on Eve winning the title in a big way. Eve is behind her, putting baby power on her, then beat the heck out of her.

    Buss and his wife, Lois, are backstage. Vickie comes in and say this is her office, she’s GM. Buzz says he walked on the moon, Vickie walked out as GM of RAW. He says he checked with WWE Headquarters. Her replacement will be there next week. If she wants to stay around in his office, she can. He has a new ap for his iPhone. She says she’s GM. The Bellas come in and he has them escort her to the parking lot. Buzz and Lois go back to talking about his office.

    Video of Henry and Batista facing off last week. Batista attacked Henry with a chair, beat the heck out of him before the bell even rang. Batista puts on a submission hold until Henry blacks out.

    Henry comes out, shoulder all wrapped up! Batista runs down behind Henry and busts a huge 2X4 over his shoulder! Batista sends Henry into the ring post. Henry then back first into the ring post. The ref tries to keep Batista off Henry, but can’t. Henry into the stairs, sending them flying. Batista grabbed the ½ of the 2X4 and went after the cameraman, he backed off. Batista walks on and over Henry and into the ring. Batista called for his spotlight. He poses in the ring, in corners, then leaves the ring. A number of refs with Henry and keep Batista away. Video of Batista’s attack. Batista poses on the stage.

    King and Cole talk about what Batista can do at Over The Limit on Sunday. They talk about Cena facing Sheamus tonight. Video of Sheamus putting Cena through a table to win the title.

    Promo for Ted DiBiase. They push the Million Dollar Belt. R-Truth slapped Ted for wanting a Virgil. Lots of things money can buy, for everything else, there’s R-Truth!

    Ted comes out with Virgil in tow! He’s limping slightly, but it’s really Virgil. Virgil holds the ropes for Ted. Ted hands the belt to Virgil who takes it and leaves the ring. Yoshi out to face him.

    Ted takes Yoshi down. Front facelock on Yoshi. Hammerlock on Ted. Ted backs Yoshi into a corner and gives a dirty break. Hip toss, suplex and dropkick to Ted for two. Ted backs Yoshi into a corner. Yoshi up on Ted’s shoulders. Ted slams Yoshi down onto his knee, face first. Yoshi up in a delayed, then slammed to the top rope, then the floor for two. Headlock on Yoshi. Ted runs into a back elbow, then a foot. Mule kick to Ted’s jaw. Punches and kicks from Yoshi, then knees to his chest. Yoshi worked Ted over and pinned for two. Ted ducked a kick, hit dream street and pinned Yoshi for three.

    – Winner: Ted DiBiase

    Ted points, Virgil walks over and grabs a mic. Video of the ending of the match. Ted asks R-Truth who’s not ashamed of being the new Virgil? The original Virgil! He’ll be in Ted’s corner at Over The Limit. Now that his trust fund has kicked in, he has no limits. He can buy anything he wants. R-Truth, if he can’t buy it, he’ll beat it. Virgil holds the ropes for Ted as they leave the ring.

    Video for Punk and his Straight Edge Society. He’s been feuding with Rey and might lose his hair Sunday by Rey.

    Backstage Jericho and Miz talk. Miz heads for the ring, but Josh stops him. Miz grabbed the mic and pushed him off. People ask him why Bret? Why not? How many times can someone beat a legend, a HOFer in one shot. It could be a national holiday up here! You know who’s more excited about Bret competing tonight? Miz! Miz out to the stage. He blames Bret for costing him his Unified Tag Team Champions. He’s going to beat Bret so badly he’s going to eradicate the Hart family name and spit on his heritage. Bret will be in the ring, lying on his stomach, screaming in pain. Screaming in pain in front of his own family, screaming for his own country. He’s going to make hit tap out to his very own sharpshooter. He’s the Miz and he’s awesome! Bret comes out to the ring wearing a Calgary Hitmen jersey.

    Miz leaves the ring as Bret goes in his direction. Miz calls for a mic. Miz says he doesn’t trust Bret because he knows his little Hart Dynasty will be coming in, so he paid a few guys to neutralize them when they come in. Kozlov and Regal come out to the ring. Hart Dynasty come through the crowd and attack Kozlov and Regal. They fight up the ramp. Then Jericho and Miz get in the ring together. Natalya gets in the ring and high fives her uncle. Jericho tells her to leave, she slaps him, but then it turns bad for Bret. They take Bret down. Smith is back and takes Jericho down. Smith clotheslines Jericho from the ring. Miz removes Smith from the ring. “Bret” chants. Miz gets Bret on his back and starts to lock on the sharpshooter. Kidd flies in on Miz. Smith and Kidd hit the Hart attack. Bret locks on the sparpshooter. Miz quickly taps out.

    – Winner: Bret Hart: new US Champion!!!

    Natalya, Smith and Kidd in to celebrate with Uncle Bret. Bret poses, gets hugs and arm raises from the young ‘uns. Video of them taking Miz apart and then Bret winning the match. Matalya is hugging the heck out of her uncle, then raised his arm soundly. Bret leans the kids from the ring.

    WM promo.

    Video of the Harts celebrating on stage.

    Video from the Beat The Clock Challenge two weeks ago. Cena got Wade to tap out and was going to announce the stipulation for Over The Limit, but then Sheamus attacked Cena and he couldn’t announce it.

    Another ‘sponsor’ promo. This is Santino, the most irritating man in the world. He spit wine in Jillian’s face and said it tastes like goat urine!

    Michelle McCool and Layla out to the ring. Video of Layla winning the Women’s Championship from bath on SD! But Michelle and Layla both have Championship belts around their waists. Layla in purple, Michelle in silver and black. Maryse comes stomping out in black and gold. Eve and the Bellas come out. Eve in pink and black, the Bellas in matching black outfits.

    Maryse grabs Eve by the hair and they all have to pull them apart. Layla on Eve to start. Side headlock on Eve. Layla runs the ropes, then pins Eve for two. Eve gets Layla up and hits a Samoan drop for two. Eve hit’s a neck breaker on Layla for two. Layla up on her shoulder and a Bella tags in. Brie, I guess. Layla takes Brie down for two. Brie on the apron and Michelle kicks Brie off the apron. Michelle tags in, goes out and slams Brie into the barrier. Back in Michelle double knee drops on Brie over and over. Layla tags in and leg drops, but Brie moves. Michelle tags in, as does Nikki. Michelle knocks Eve to the floor. Clotheslines and dropkicks to Michelle from Nikki. A low dropkick to Michelle’s jaw for two. Maryse tags in and hit’s the French kiss on Nikki for three.

    – Winners: Maryse, Layla & Michelle

    The ref and a Bella keep Eve apart. They get together, then apart again. Then the Bella and Eve check on the other Bella.

    Josh backstage with Cena. Josh says Cena’s decisions have been called into question, right up to accepting a match tonight with Sheamus. What does he say to his critics? He says it’s their jobs to criticize, but he won’t listen to them. But to those who stand by him, through all those moments, good and bad, believe him, he has a plan. Why a match against Sheamus? So he can’t be a problem at Over The Limit. Tonight he takes Sheamus out! Why I Quit? It’s the last time they’re facing, so this has to be it. Why forfeit his rematch clause? If he can’t beat Batista, he shouldn’t beat Champion. Batista took apart Henry and broke his neck. All Batista’s done, he’s failed one thing, gotten Cena to quit. He promises, over and over, he will not quit! At Over The Limit, Batista will be the quitter and the champ will be here!

    Orton out to the ring. Orton looks up the ramp to see who he’ll be facing. The fans are wild! It’s Jack Swagger. Swagger comes out with a smirk on his face. Actors from the USA show ‘Covert Affairs’ are in the front row.

    Swagger takes Orton to the mat, then backs off. Swagger grabs Orton and holds on. Orton reverses it and takes Swagger down. Swagger to his feet looks shocked. “RKO” chants. Orton into a corner, Swagger slams his shoulder into Orton’s gut, over and over. Backbreaker to Swagger, then a stomp. Orton stomps his way around Swagger who sells. Swagger moves out of the way of the knee drop. Clothesline to Orton for two. Chinlock on Orton and it looks to be tight on Orton! Orton to his feet, but then whipped. Black elbow, then two clotheslines to Swagger. Swagger knew the scoop slam was coming and fled. Orton out and Swagger slams him onto announce. “RKO” chants. Orton grabs Swagger as he comes through, Swagger counters and slams Orton to the mat in a very wrong way. Orton holds his head and it looks like it might be a little real. Swagger hits two of his splashes from a corner. Orton rolls out. The ref counts. At seven Orton was on the apron. Swagger slammed into Orton and sent him flying into announce. Swagger out to stomp Orton while the ref counts. Orton back first into the apron. Orton is rolled in at six. Swagger pins for two. Chinlock back on Orton in the center of the ring. They get to their feet and Orton gets free. Punch to Swagger but Swagger slams Orton to the mat. Swagger goes to splash from the corner again and gets kicked in the gut for it. Two clotheslines and then Orton scoop slam. Swagger on the aprons and Orton hits his DDT through the ropes. Spinning, then punching the mat, but there’s Edge.

    – Winner: Orton via DQ?

    Orton tries to RKO Edge, but is pushed off. RKO on Swagger who was there, but then Edge spears Orton. Edge stares down at Orton before leaving the ring.

    Video for NXT tomorrow night.

    King and Cole talk about wondering what might happen on NXT tomorrow night. Then they go through the matches slated for Over The Limit.

    Justin announces Buzz Aldrin as if no one has any clue about who he is or what he’s done. He comes out in all black, leather blazer, red tie. He has a bit of trouble getting in the ring, but doesn’t fall. He’s so excited about being at RAW, but he’s way out there. He’s been working on making the space program better for 30 years. What? He says Canada has done wonderful things. He says they built the landing gear they used to land on the moon! He loves Monday night RAW! He looked lost about what to say next and Zack Ryder comes out with Fox. He says Canda’s science peaked when they created maple syrup. He said he heard on the radio that the moon landing was fake. He says he’d rather be homeless in the USA than living in Canada. Buzz says the last guy who said the moon landing was fake was punched in the face. Video of Buzz punching the guy out! Buzz fold Fox he wouldn’t pound her. He says it will be Toronto’s own Gail Kim and RAW’s own Evan Bourne.

    Zack backs Evan into a corner. Evan then took Zack down. Zack fought back and worked Evan over hard. Stomping Evan and then talking smack. Evan rolls Zack up for two. Fox was rushing in and Kim stopped her. Zack and Fox into a corner. Kim slammed into them, then Evan into Zack. Kim flies in a dropkick on Fox for two. Zack pulls the rope down sending Kim from the ring. Fox out and throws Kim back in. Fox pins for two. Fox suplex and bridges for two. Fox pins for two again. Jawbreaker on Fox and she tags out. Evan in and takes Zack down. Evan climbs but Fox rolls Zack out. Evan flies outside. Fox grabs Kim, Kim hits eat defeat and pins Fox for three.

    – Winners: Evan Bourne & Gail Kim

    Kim called Buzz back into the ring. Evan holds the ropes and they celebrate together. Buzz does a (really bad) moon walk in the ring. Video of him doing it again. Many smiles and hugs in the ring.

    Promo for Swagger and Big Show facing off at Over The Limit.

    Jon Lovitz will host RAW next week.

    Another ‘sponsor’ promo. This is Goldust on a blind date. He asks if he can call her, she says no. he asks if he can breathe on her? No. Too late!

    Sheamus comes glowing out to the ring. Cena out to mix reactions from the crowd. They lock up and Cena’s backed into a corner. Sheamus doesn’t give a clean break. Much kicking and stomping. Cena to his feet and on Sheamus really hard, back him into a corner, attacking. Sheamus sent outside, Cena beating the heck out of him. Cena rolls through to break the count. Sheamus sends Cena into the barrier, then a knee into Cena’s face. Back in the ring and Sheamus pins for two. Punch to Cena’s head, upper cut, then whips Cena. Clothesline to the back of Cena’s head for two. Sheamus tries to suplex Cena, Cena reverses and suplexes him. Clothesline from Cena. Sheamus slammed into the ringpost shoulder first and he falls to the floor. Sheamus back in at seven. A small “Cena sucks” chant. Sheamus up for the AA, but Sheamus out and a knee to Cena’s spine. Cena reverses running the ropes and hit’s a sidewalk slam. Punches to Sheamus, one drops him to the mat, then another and to the mat. Sheamus whipped but gets a back elbow up. Cena on the apron. As he leans through the ropes Sheamus nails Cena in the head with a knee. Sheamus about to go out after Cena, but Cena back on the apron and gets anther knee to Cena’s head and he falls to the floor. Cena up on the apron and leans back. Cena in and punching. He goes for his bulldog but Sheamus pushes Cena off then baseball slides Cena out of the ring. Sheamus out of the ring and slams Cena’s head on announce. “Cena” chants from women and children. In the ring Sheamus pins for two. Sheamus drops a knee to Cena’s head. Cena rolls to the apron. Sheamus pulls his arms back and nails a forearm to Cena’s chest. Sheamus spreads Cena’s arms and hit another forearm to Cena’s chest. Cena struggles to his feet. Sheamus gets Cena up, but he gets free. Shoulder blocks from Super Cena, then a slam. Five knuckle shuffle. Cena goes for the AA, but Sheamus holds the rope. Batista in the ring. Cena basically AA’s Sheamus out of the ring. Spinebuster from Batista on Cena.

    – Winner: Cena via DQ?

    Spinebuster to Cena again. A third spine buster. Rather than a Batista bomb, Batista locks that same submission hold on Cena that he used on Mark Henry. Batista screamed over and over for Cena to say he quits. RAW goes off the air.

    Biggest pop
    Bret Hart
    Orton
    Taker
    Christian

    Biggest heat
    Edge
    Jericho
    Swagger

    Most Mixed
    Cena

    [Thanks for sticking with me. I know I missed a few moves, but I really wanted to get RAW out in a timely manner. Having no commercials is a great gimmick, but it’s really hard to get everything down and uploaded without them! Thanks again! KB]

  • WWE To Break Up Lay-Cool?, Cody Rhodes A Big Fan Of G.I. Joe

    — In light of Beth Phoenix’ removal from television as a result of a torn ACL, there is talk of splitting up Lay-Cool — Michelle McCool and Layla — and having them feud with each other. It’s also been said that Melina may return to SmackDown once she’s cleared to wrestle, which is expected to take place in June. (source: PWInsider.com)

    — In an interview with WWE Magazine, Ted DiBiase is asked what he won’t miss from his days in The Legacy, to which he replied playing with G.I. Joe action figures. He then relays a bizarre story of Rhodes once seriously asking him to play with said toys.

    “Well, he wanted to play “War,” and I thought it was some video game or card game. Then he pulled all these dolls out of his bag. He lined them up and started making noises like, “Pow! Pow! Boom!” It was just bad,” DiBiase said. “I thought it was a joke, but he told me I needed to take it more seriously. I felt inclined to play along because I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. Never again.”

    — WWE was the No. 2 trending topic on Yahoo.com yesterday.

  • RAW Preview For Tonight: Bret-Miz, Cena-Sheamus

    Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW takes place from Toronto, Ontario, Canada and will be a special commercial-free broadcast. Confirmed for tonight:

    – Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, known as “Rocket Hero” in the WWE Universe, will be the Guest Host.

    – WWE Champion John Cena will face Sheamus.

    – WWE Hall of Famer Bret “The Hitman” Hart will challenge The Miz for his United States Championship.

    Related News: Bret Hart Says He’s Done With WWE After Tonight’s RAW

  • JR’s BBQ Restaurant Shuts Down, Big Changes Ahead

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross announced over the weekend that his “J.R.’s Family Bar-B-Q” restaurant in Norman, Oklahoma is shutting down.

    “At the end of the day, our business plan could not handle the shift in the economy or the rising overhead that we encountered,” Ross wrote. “We make no excuses.”

    Ross said that he will continue to sell his line of barbecue products on his JRsBarBQ.com website as well as in grocery stores across the country, a more conservative business model that he says has “unlimited potential.”

    Despite this professional setback, Ross remains optimistic about his future and life in general. “Life is good…amazing days lie ahead…great health is a blessing…we have much to be thankful for … In the upcoming weeks, my professional schedule is likely to change significantly. I’ve realized that there is only so much that I can pile on my plate so perhaps this unfortunate turn of events is a blessing in disguise.”

    To read the full blog, visit JRsBarBQ.com.

  • Virgil On RAW Tonight? Morrison Injured, NXT & More

    – Mike Jones, best known as Ted DiBiase’s man-servant Virgil in the early 1990s, was telling people at a signing event over the weekend that he will be appearing on tonight’s WWE RAW to film an angle with Ted DiBiase Jr. While this news is not confirmed, Virgil’s name has come up on WWE television a few times in recent weeks – so it could happen.

    – John Morrison may have injured his ankle at this weekend’s RAW live event in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. After his match with Vladimir Kozlov, Morrison had to be helped to the back by trainers.

    – NXT stars Justin Gabriel and Wade Barrett worked this weekend’s RAW live events in Canada, with Gabriel getting wins over Barrett.

    – WWE’s new luchador star Dos Caras also worked the weekend’s RAW live events, losing to Goldust. He continues to impress WWE officials with his solid work on the mic and in the ring.

    – TMZ reports that former WWE Diva Chyna won’t be facing criminal charges over an alleged incident last month where she beat up a female friend in a Los Angeles hotel room. The LA city attorney dismissed the charges due to insufficient evidence.

  • Cody Rhodes Talks About Legacy, His Father, SmackDown

    Here are some interview highlights of what “The Uncommon” Cody Rhodes told Slam Wrestling about:

    Being a Second Generation Star: “It can be incredibly easy or incredibly difficult. I didn’t want to be my dad. I don’t want to be Dusty Rhodes Jr. I want to be Cody Rhodes.”

    Being Drafted To SmackDown: “RAW was more of a variety show. Smackdown is more of a wrestling-based show. That’s my area. It gives me a chance to showcase myself. I feel I’ll do really well between the ropes. I think things are going to be changing for me along with the brand change. As a fan, I like to see the talent evolve and I need to evolve. I really wasn’t a character on RAW. It was ‘here we have our second- and third-generation superstars.’ Now, fans will have the opportunity to see who Cody Rhodes is.”

    Legacy: “The point was to introduce us, as The Legacy, the same as when Randy Orton and Batista were brought in with Evolution. I don’t think it’d be totally bizarre if three, five or seven years down the road from now, you saw a Wrestlemania match with me and on the other side, Ted DiBiase.”

    To check out the full interview, visit Slam Wrestling.

  • Rhodes Tweaks His Identity, Masked SES Member Debuts, More

    Here are a few notes from last night’s SmackDown live event in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

    — Cody Rhodes donned a jacket while making his ring entrance for his match against Chris Masters, with “Uncommon” written. He then cut a heel promo and asked ring announcer Tony Chimel to introduce him as “The Uncommon” Cody Rhodes.

    — The masked individual assisting the Straight Edge Society in recent weeks made his in-ring debut at last night’s show, teaming with Luke Gallows. They lost to Rey Mysterio and Christian. The description given on the masked wrestler is that he is well-built and tan.

    — As reported earlier, David Otunga was added to this weekend’s SmackDown live event tour in order to gain experience. Fellow NXT Rookie Darren Young is also taking part in the tour as he went over Otunga in a singles bout at last night’s show.

    — Shad Gaspard debuted a new entrance theme personalized to his “My Time” persona. He lost to MVP.

    — Layla went over Kelly Kelly in her first title defense as WWE Women’s Champion.

  • TNA Making Budget Cuts This Week, Madison Rayne Speaks Out

    — On today’s episode of Observer Radio (available on www.f4wonline.com), Dave Meltzer said TNA will be making a lot of budget cutbacks this week. He described the situation as “not good” and things are “going to start happening soon.”

    — In an interview with IGN.com, Madison Rayne discusses how it feels to hold the Knockouts title, working with Tara, prospective talent, whether she plays video games, how she entered the wrestling industry, and more. She was also asked whether she’s disappointed not being on Monday nights anymore.

    “As long as we’re still getting our spot on national TV I think everyone in the company’s got something to be proud of,” Rayne told IGN. “But personally I think it’s a good move to go back to Thursdays. I don’t feel like we jumped back to Thursdays because we were “running scared” like a lot people have been saying. Or because we couldn’t keep up with the competitor. I don’t think it was that at all.

    “Dixie Carter and the office at TNA talked to the fans and reached out to the people who were important and helped, over seven years, put us where we are. For the most part, wrestling fans are wrestling fans, so TNA being on Monday night was going to hurt both companies. Whereas if there’s a night for the other product – a separate night where TNA can shine – the wrestling fans are going to be happy because they’re going to get to see wrestling almost every night of the week now. I think it’s a good move.”

    — TNA is taping four episodes of iMPACT! over three days this week.

  • Phoenix Suffers Torn ACL, Undergoing Surgery This Tuesday

    Beth Phoenix revealed in a blog posted on WWE.com that she will be undergoing surgery this Tuesday in Birmingham, Alabama to repair a torn ACL. Dr. James Andrews will perform the procedure. The injury is expected to keep her sidelined for up to six months.

    “So its with a heavy heart that I must inform the WWE Universe that I will be going in for surgery this Tuesday at the Dr. Andrews Medical Clinic,” Phoenix wrote. “I will be keeping you all updated. I would like to say thank you to everyone that has given me the strength to keep fighting my battles. This one is just a tiny bump in the road.”

    Phoenix worked the match that aired on last night’s episode of Friday Night Smackdown with the injury. She noted that she suffered the injury during her match last week with Rosa Mendes on WWE Superstars. She initially believed it was a minor ankle injury, but ultimately, it was much more severe.

    To read her blog, click here.

  • Sound Off 109: Dear Shawn Michaels, Please Come Back! Please?

    Solomonster Sounds Off

    DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
    Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 109)
    *right-click, “Save As”, or stream it!

    Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 21 minutes

    Thoughts on Impact’s move back to Thursdays, disappointing Mania buyrate and the UFC effect, Bret Hart in Canada, Bryan Danielson lives, Beth Phoenix gone for a long time and a RANT on writers (well just one) who take TWO MONTHS to write one show!

    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

  • Party With Mickie James, Hunter Contacted By Major Promotion

    — Mickie James will be holding a CD release party promoting her highly anticipated country music album, Strangers & Angels, on Thursday, May 20 in Nashville, Tennessee. The event will be held at the Red Rooster Bar & Music Hall (located on 1530 Demonbreun Street) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Those interested in attending the event should contact Don at don@absolutepublicity.com.

    You can view the event poster here.

    — April Hunter wrote on her Facebook page that one of the “big two” wrestling companies contacted her this week. However, problems arose when they requested she get medical clearance first.

    “So, one of the “big two” wrestling companies contacted me this wk,” Hunter wrote. “But I was asked to go to my own doc & get medical clearance first (they wont cover that). Most “healthy” wrestlers wouldn’t be given medical clearance 4 the GYM, let alone in ring the way lawsuits work in the USA. Don’t have a doc. I use Robitussin…prolly wouldn’t need a job if I could afford health ins in the 1st place.”

    — In today’s wrestling birthdays, Zack Ryder 25, Big Van Vader turns 53, and Robert Fuller turns 59.

  • Bischoff Ripped On WWE’s Website, Masked Character Debuts

    — The WWE website has posted a “Where Are They Now?” feature on former Four Horseman manager J.J. Dillon. Dillon, now 67, noted he now resides in Delaware where he works for the department of corrections as a corrections officer. He also discussed his time in World Championship Wrestling, saying while the money was great, he was miserable working for them. He takes Eric Bischoff to task.

    “[Eric] Bischoff had his agenda and I wasn’t necessarily in sync with what he was doing,” Dillon said of WCW’s former President. “I was the one person who could expose him for somebody who knew absolutely nothing about the wrestling business. Instead of tapping into me as a resource, he went around me.”

    Though WCW had some profitable years in the late ’90s, he could see issues with management that would present serious problems in the future.

    “I knew what was going to happen, but nobody wanted to listen. They looked at me like I was crazy.”

    To read the piece in its entirety, click here.

    — Orlando Colón, cousin of Carlito and Primo, worked under a mask at last night’s Florida Championship Wrestling television taping in Tampa. He performed as Dos Equis, going over Portis Clay (a/k/a G-Rilla).

    — WWE plans on releasing a DVD set on D-Generation X chronicling its most recent run. No word yet on when it will be released.

    — Next Friday in Toledo, Ohio, The Miz appears at the Seaway Market Place located at 1707 Cherry Street. He will be signing autographs and meeting fans from 3 to 4 p.m.