Category: WWE

  • News On Several Upcoming WWE Storylines

    – At Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown! tapings, Jack Swagger cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase and pinned Chris Jericho to capture his first World Heavyweight championship, just 18 months after making his WWE television debut. Swagger will be feuding with former champions Chris Jericho and Edge in the coming weeks. Adding to this is news that WWE has booked Jack Swagger vs. Edge vs. Chris Jericho as the dark match main event for the 5/25 Smackdown taping from Cleveland, OH.

    – The Undertaker is also being advertised for the Cleveland SmackDown taping, contrary to reports that he will be taking time off soon after WrestleMania,

    – CM Punk and Rey Mysterio will continue their feud from WrestleMania.

    Also, as we reported last week, Batista is Leaving WWE For Several Months, so expect an angle to explain his departure.

  • Linda Resigns From CT Board Of Ed, WWE Wants Rugby Star

    – Linda McMahon tendered her resignation from the Connecticut Board of Education yesterday. She cited a new legal opinion by CT state elections officials that restricts political activities by Board of Education members. Linda had served on the Board for just over a year.

    – Big Show, Carlito and MVP will be appearing at tonight’s FCW show from the Miami-Dade County Fair in Miami Florida. The WWE developmental show starts at 8pm.

    – Australia’s The Daily Telegraph reports that National Rugby League star Fuifui Moimoi is getting interest from WWE. The story notes that WWE International Operations exec Andrew Whitaker saw Moimoi in a magazine and was impressed with his size. Moimoi is 6 foot, 237 lbs. and is of Tongan and New Zealand decent. The Telegraph noted that WWE is looking to sign a talent from Australia.

    – WWE is now calling developmental star Orlando Colon, the cousin of Carlito & Primo, by the name of Tito Nieves. This is the same name as a popular Puerto Rican salsa singer.

  • Daniel Bryan Talks About Haters In WWE & HBK’s Retirement

    WWE NXT rookie Daniel Bryan has updated his WWE Universe blog with his thoughts on Shawn Michaels’ retirement, as well as people backstage in WWE who do not think he’s got what it takes to be a star.

    Bryan, who was trained by Shawn Michaels’ Texas Wrestling Academy school a decade ago, says he spoke with his former teacher following WrestleMania. “I was able to speak with him briefly Sunday night, and he told me that it was my time now and if I ever needed anything to just let him know. Words cannot express my gratitude for the great training he gave me, and for his support. I’m sure he will miss wrestling, but wrestling will miss him even more.”

    Bryan, who broke into wrestling through Shawn Michaels’s TWA training school ten years ago, also talked about not being liked by “some backstage” and continued to play up the TV storyline where his perceived lack of charisma and size is an issue.

    “I know I’m not what WWE usually looks for in a Superstar. It’s quite obvious by Michael Cole’s commentary that he doesn’t think I have what it takes and I know there are even more people in the back who think the same thing. They doubt my mic skills and they doubt whether the WWE Universe can get behind someone who looks as plain as I do…but none of them doubt my in ring ability,” Bryan said.

    “I may not be what the WWE looks for when they’re recruiting, but most of the people they recruit don’t have the passion for this business that people like Shawn Michaels have. I do, and I’ve proven it over the last ten years. I will outwork, outsmart and outclass 99.9% of the muscleheads and pretty boys that they think have the right ‘look.’”

  • HBK Removed From WWE Roster, Update On Chris Jericho, More

    — Coming off the heels of Shawn Michaels apparent retirement from World Wrestling Entertainment, HBK has been officially removed the company’s active roster. His bio has been displaced from the Raw Superstars page and moved to the WWE Alumni section.

    — Chris Jericho confirmed on his Twitter account that his tweet yesterday about being selected for sequestered jury duty was an April Fools’ Day joke.

    — WWE returns to the Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana on June 6th, 2010 at 5 p.m. Tickets go on sale April 24th, 2010 at 10 a.m. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

  • WWE Getting A Lot Of Media Coverage In Japan

    Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

    Japanese stars Gedo, Jado and KENTA were all at WrestleMania 26 weekend for the Antonio Inoki Hall of Fame induction. Inoki did a lot of photo ops for the Japanese media, including congratulating RAW’s Yoshi Tatsu on winning the pre-show battle royal.

    There was already some Japanese media in town because Major League Baseball star Hideki Matsui is playing pre-season baseball there. This helped out with the coverage from Japan on Inoki’s induction. Part of the reason why Inoki was chosen for this year’s Hall is because of the exposure WWE would be getting in Japan. The media took photos of Inoki with Vince McMahon, where Vince thanked Inoki for the friendship with Vince Sr.

    With WWE aiming for maximum exposure in Japan, that could very well be part of the reason why Yoshi Tatsu won the WrestleMania pre-show battle royal.

  • *Spoilers* WWE SmackDown! Tapings Results For Tonight

    New World Heavyweight Champion Jack Swagger

    The beginning of the show started with Chris Jericho cutting a promo. Edge came out and beat him up which led to Edge spearing him. Edge wad leaving the ring when Jack Swagger knocked Edge down with the the MITB briefcase. Swagger then cashed in the MITB and beat Chris Jericho with his finisher

    1. Jack Swagger defeated Chris Jericho to win the World Hvt. Championship. Swagger cashed in the MITB and beat Jericho with his finisher.

    2. John Morrison and R-Truth beat Cryme Tyme. After the match, Cryme Tyme broke up.

    3. Drew McIntyre beat Matt Hardy.

    4. Dolph Ziggler defeated Great Khali.

    C.M. Punk wants a rematch with Rey Mysterio. He is going to put his hair on the line against Mysterio, who must join the Straight Edge Society if he loses. Mysterio did not come out to accept. This is likely an Extreme Rules match, but it’s unclear at this point.

    5. Beth Phoenix and Tiffany beat Michelle McCool and Layla.

    6. Kane vs. all eight members of NXT in an elimination tag match ended in a DQ. The finish came when all the NXT members jumped Kane at once.

    Teddy Long announced that Edge will face Chris Jericho next week for a shot at Jack Swagger and the World Hvt. Championship.

    7. Undertaker defeated C.M. Punk. Taker won with the Tombstone piledriver.

  • Ziggler Takes Shot At Otunga, Follow Daivari On Twitter, More

    WWE Magazine conducted a “Twitterview” with Dolph Ziggler this evening on the social networking site as he answered questions regarding Shawn Michaels’ retirement, WrestleMania, his hair, Simpsons, and much more.

    When asked to give his pick to win NXT, he selected Heath Slater. It’s worth noting that during his response, he referred to David Otunga with the following: “And the one guy is simply here because he dates some chick that’s in magazines, he’s not even in the Diva’s league.”

    Regarding Michaels’ retirement, he compared it to the last episode of Seinfeld.

    “You don’t want it to end, and no matter how amazing and mindblowing it is, you don’t want it to end,” Ziggler said. “It still doesn’t seem like he’s gone, WWE has lost the greatest superstar ever, and a lot of guys, including me, have lost a great mind. I went out into the arena floor for that match, and it was amazing! He went out like no one else could or ever will!”

    To read the interview in its entirety, visit www.NickNemeth.net.

    — Former WWE star Shawn Daivari has launched an account on Twitter. You can keep up with his tweets at twitter.com/sdaivari. He posted an image of his home, which is quite large.

    — NXT rookie Wade Barrett has posted a blog on WWEUniverse.com discussing his second place standing in NXT, WrestleMania and more.

  • NXT Rookie Suffers Food Poisoning, Morely Backstage At Raw

    — NXT rookie Skip Sheffield noted on his Twitter account this past week that he was suffering from food poisoning. He said he vomited three times and had very high body temperature. He’s blaming his sickness on Burger King and said he will never eat there again.

    — Recently released TNA star Sean Morley was backstage at Monday’s Raw, which emanated from his hometown of Phoenix. He was simply visiting friends.

    Morely worked for TNA as recently as February before parting ways with the organization to compete in Mexico. He wrote the following note on his Facebook account regarding his experience: “Just got back from visiting old friends at Raw here in Phoenix. Drive to the arena with my buddy Matt(Atrain). It’s always great to see old friends again.”

    — Today marks the twenty-year anniversary of the historic Champion vs. Champion match between Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania VI.

  • Batista Looking to Take Several Months Off From WWE

    Former WWE Champion Batista has been telling people within WWE that he’s looking to take an extended break from WWE following WrestleMania.

    Those within the company expect Batista to take his leave of absence following the Extreme Rules PPV later this month.

    Batista is scheduled to begin filming for the upcoming WWE Studio’s film “Killing Karma” this spring and the general consensus within the locker room is that Batista will not wrestler while he is filming.

  • Chris Jericho Says He Be Out Of Action Until May

    WWE’s World Heavyweight champion Chris Jericho posted a message on Twitter today saying that he’ll be out of action for six weeks.

    Jericho wrote: “Just got selected for sequestered jury duty. Six weeks minimum. :-( Won’t be able to work or tweet. See u in May WWE Universe…”

    It’s worth noting that today is April Fool’s Day — so there’s a good chance that this is a gag on Jericho’s part, that jokester.

    * Follow Chris Jericho & 80+ Wrestlers & Divas on Twitter at PWTweets.com >>

  • Detailed Update On Jim Ross’ Future With WWE

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross posted a new blog entry at JrsBarBQ.com with a detailed update on his future in WWE. Ross recently signed a short-term contract extension and there’s been a lot of speculation that he’s either leaving the industry entirely or would consider jumping to TNA Wrestling.

    Ross wrote:

    “JR is NOT retiring. It’s tempting and financially doable but I want to work a few more years in a role that is fun and not as laden with stress as some of my previous assignments have been.

    No I am not ‘vanishing.’ LIfe is so good here in Norman and I have a tremendous amount of things to look forward to although I know that I have not broadcast my last event. One doesn’t do something for over 35 years and stop cold turkey or at least I don’t.

    There are no issues or problems with my negotiations with WWE. The ball is in WWE’s court to put together a new role for me within the company. Essentially they have decided to reassign me from weekly broadcasting and that includes the monthly PPV’s to focus on other areas of the company. I am guessing, and I stress guessing, that may be some form of scouting and/or talent development. I might be wrong on that assumption but I’ll know before the end of April as that is when my current extension expires.”

  • Jim Ross Evaluates NXT, Randy Orton Turns 30 & More

    – In a Q&A update on his official JRsBarBQ.com website, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross gave his thoughts on the new NXT show, admitting that it still needs some “subtle tweaks.” Ross wrote:

    “I feel that all the rookies need to live together in a dorm and we should be privy to their interactions and training sessions. I want to know more about the non wrestler side of these potential stars. Overall I do like the fact that WWE is finally using some of the young kids and allowing them to sink or swim.

    – Happy birthday to Randy Orton, who turns 30 years old today. The third generation superstar was born on April 1, 1980.

  • WWE Superstars Preview & *Spoilers* For Tonight

    The following matches were taped earlier this week for tonight’s episode of WWE Superstars on WGN America:

    • Caylen Croft and Trent Barreta vs. Tyson Kidd and David Hart Smith
    • William Regal vs. Yoshi Tatsu
    • Kofi Kingtson and MVP vs. Carlito and Zack Ryder

    Warning: The following contains *Spoiler* results for tonight’s WWE Superstars show:

    • The Hart Dynasty defeated Trent Barreta and Caylen Croft.
    • Kofi Kingston and MVP defeated Zack Ryder and Carlito (w/Michael Tarver).
    • Yoshi Tatsu beat William Regal.
  • Kane Sets WrestleMania Record?, WWE Stars Attend ROH, More

    — As a result of his participation in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania XXVI, Kane broke Bret Hart’s record of most consecutive WrestleMania matches with thirteen. However, it should be noted that Kane’s bout at WrestleMania XIX aired during Sunday Night Heat rather than the actual pay-per-view, so technically, he doesn’t hold the streak for most consecutive WrestleMania pay-per-view appearances.

    — While WWE did not want its talent visiting the Ring of Honor or Dragon Gate events held in Phoenix last weekend, some showed up at the ROH shows discreetly.

    — Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart attended the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony this past weekend.

    — The Miz noted on his Twitter account that he attended Star Magazine’s “Young Hot Hollywood” party last night.

  • Reaction To HBK’s Retirement, Candice Michelle Profiled, More

    — The general feeling among those in WWE is that Shawn Michaels is sincere about his retirement. While no one is ruling out the possibility of Michaels working a match or two down the line, many feel he believes he worked his final match on Sunday.

    During his farewell speech on Raw, he acknowledged there being a temptation to return to the ring but that he was going to do everything in his power to make sure it doesn’t happen. With that being said, many feel he will ultimately give in and return for at least one more match.

    — WWE.com has added former WWE Women’s Champion Candice Michelle to its Alumni section. You can view her profile at the following link.

    It’s worth noting that Michelle paid a visit to her former employer two weeks ago when the company was in Los Angeles for a SmackDown taping. She had not been backstage at a WWE event since her departure from the organization last year.

    — Today marks the twenty-five year anniversary of WrestleMania.

  • Steve Austin Comments On The Big SmackDown *Spoiler*

    Warning: This article contains a big *SPOILER* for Friday’s WWE SmackDown

    As previously reported, Jack Swagger cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase at Tuesday’s WWE SmackDown tapings to capture the World Heavyweight championship. Jericho had just brawled with Edge in the opening segment of the show and it was revealed that Jericho’s ribs were injured and still taped up from WrestleMania. Swagger’s music hit and he powerbombed Jericho for a quick win.

    WWE Hall of Famer Steve Austin posted a message on Twitter responding to a fan who asked him about Swagger’s World Heavyweight title win.

    Austin sees potential in Jack Swagger, but questions if he’s got the experience to justify being a World Heavyweight champion.

    Austin wrote: “sounds too soon to me. the kid does have a bright future though.”

    * VIDEO of JACK SWAGGER Winning the Title Last Night (Direct Link)

  • More On Monday’s Ratings, Dixie Carter Comments

    Following up on Monday’s WWE RAW & TNA iMPACT! ratings …

    WWE RAW’s rating was a 3.7, rounded up from a 3.68. The highest quarter hour of the show was a 4.1 for Shawn Michaels’ retirement ceremony at the end of the show.  USA Network executive Ted Linhart noted on Twitter that RAW’s second hour did 3 million adults in the 18-49 demographic.

    As previously reported, TNA iMPACT! did a 0.62. Granted, the show went up against another stacked, newsworthy RAW, but you can bet iMPACT! won’t last long on Monday nights doing 0.6’s.

    TNA president Dixie Carter posted a message on Twitter regarding iMPACT!’s ratings collapse, attributing it to the Shawn Michaels farewell on RAW:

    “Thank goodness he can only retire once…hopefully. Shawn, congrats on an amazing career.”

  • Notes On Jack Swagger, Shawn Michaels, SVR ’10 & More

    — Money in the Bank winner Jack Swagger was trending on Twitter in the New York City area while last night’s SmackDown taping was taking place.

    — Shawn Michaels is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Inside Wrestling, which you can view at www.pwi-online.com. The headline reads: “Heart-broken Kid.”

    — WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts noted on his Twitter account yesterday that he did voice-over work for THQ’s upcoming WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 video game.

    — In yesterday’s birthdays, SmackDown star Trent Barreta turned 23 years old while WWE producer Mike Rotunda turned 52.

  • WWE RAW & TNA iMPACT! Ratings For 3/29

    The ratings are in for the March 29, 2010 editions of WWE RAW & TNA iMPACT!.

    WWE’s post-WrestleMania 26 episode of WWE RAW drew a 3.7 cable rating. This number is up from last week’s 3.2, but even WWE’s first class farewell tribute to Shawn Michaels on the night after WrestleMania was not enough to push the show into the 4’s.

    TNA iMPACT featuring a 6-man six-man steel cage main event scored a 0.6 cable rating, down sharply from last week’s 0.9 and the worst rating on Monday nights yet.

    We’re still waiting on more details, so stay tuned.

  • WWE RAW Results (3/29): Hot Tub Time Machine Hosts

    – Tonight’s WWE RAW kicks off with Michael Cole welcoming us to the US Airways Center from Phoenix, Arizona. Lawler and Cole talks about WrestleMania. Tonight, Shawn Michaels will say goodbye to the WWE Universe.

    – We go to the ring where the former WWE Champion Batista makes his way out. Batista comes out in street clothes and looks pissed as he walks to the ring. The crowd boo’s Batista as his music stops. Batista tries to talk but the heat from the crowd is deafening. Batista says everyone expects him to come out and throw a fit about losing the WWE Title but he’s not going to give the satisfaction. He says last night was a blip on the radar, a fluke. A “you tapped out” chant starts from the crowd.

    Batista says he’s owed a rematch and no matter what happens, John Cena cannot beat him. John Cena’s music hits and out comes the WWE Champion to a monster pop from the fans.

    There’s a bit of a mixed reaction when Cena gets in the ring. He says there’s some WrestleMania energy left in the air tonight. Cena jokes about beating Batista last night. A “Cena sucks” chant breaks out now. Cena mocks Batista for tapping out last night. Batista is getting pissed. Cena talks about the rematch and proposes that it happen tonight on RAW. The crowd loves this. Cena challenges Batista for tonight. Batista asks the fans if they would like to see that. Not tonight, he says. The crowd doesn’t like this. Batista punches Cena and they go at it. Batista rolls out of the ring and they stare each other down. From out of nowhere, Jack Swagger attacks John Cena from behind with the Money in the Bank briefcase.

    Swagger takes a mic and declares that he’s cashing in right now. Swagger goes back in the ring but Cena almost gets him locked in the STF. Swagger rolls out of the ring and gets away from Cena’s STF as a referee is running in. Swagger starts saying no way, the match never started. And it didn’t. The bell never rang so it appears Swagger did not use his shot yet. Swagger heads to the back, talking trash to Cena.

    – Cole and Lawler talk about Shawn Michaels losing to Undertaker last night. They lead us to a video package showing highlights from Shawn’s career. We come back and they plug Shawn’s farewell on RAW tonight. We go back to commercial.

    – Back from the break and out come some WWE legends. Ted DiBiase Sr., Nick Bockwinkel, IRS, Pat Patterson and Arn Anderson make their way to the ring and stand around it. Roddy Piper’s music hits next and out he comes. He brings Sgt. Slaughter, Tony Garea and Ricky Steamboat with him. Jerry Lawler puts down his headset and heads around the ring as well. Justin Roberts brings out tonight’s RAW hosts – the two guys from Hot Tub Time Machine. They announce tonight’s main event as Jack Swagger and Batista vs. John Cena and a partner of his choosing. They also announce a Hot Tub match between them two and the WWE Divas. The reason for the Legends being around the ring is for this Legends Lumberjack match.

    Legends Lumberjack Match: Christian vs. Ted DiBiase

    Christian is introduced first as the WWE Legends applaud him from ringside. Christian gets a big pop from the crowd. Out next is his opponent, Ted DiBiase. Ted’s father The Million Dollar Man claps for him. We go to commercial as Ted enters the ring.

    Back from the break and Ted is going at it with Christian. Christian ends up slapping Ted to the mat. More back and forth until Ted is thrown over to the floor. They throw Ted right back into the ring. Ted comes back with a big clothesline on Christian and a 2 count. Ted works Christian over in the corner now. Christian with a big right hand. He goes for the DDT off the top but Ted counters, throws him and hits a kick to the face. 2 count by Ted.

    More back and forth and a 2 count by Christian. Christian hits a dropkick from the top and gets another 2 count. Ted pulls Christian’s legs out and goes for Dream Street. Christian counters it and ends up kicking Ted in the head. Christian with a forearm off the top. Christian goes for Killswitch but Ted counters and they both go to the floor. The Legends start fighting each other at ringside. This distracts Ted once he’s back in the ring. Christian hits the Killswitch for the pinfall and the win.

    Winner: Christian

    – After the match, Christian heads up the ramp celebrating with Garea, Piper, Steamboat and Slaughter. Ted Sr. gets in the ring to help Ted Jr. up. Ted bucks back and it kind of shocks his father. The crowd boo’s Ted Jr. as he heads out of the ring and up the ramp while his dad looks on from the ring.

    – We go to another video package of HBK’s career.

    – Triple H is shown heading to the ring as we go back to commercial.

    – Back from commercial and the announcers lead us into a video showing highlights from WrestleMania 26 festivities this past week in Phoenix.

    – We go backstage where the RAW hosts are in bath robes. Santino Marella walks by with a line. The hosts walk over to the hot tub where Rosa, The Bella Twins and Tiffany are sitting in it in bikinis. The winner of this gets a future Divas Title match. The hosts get in and start the “match”, sitting beside the Divas. They pull out champagne and say there aren’t any “losers” in this match. The Divas say there has to be a loser and they start sipping champagne. We go to the ring.

    – Triple H’s music starts playing and he appears on the stage looking a bit sad. Triple H stays on the stage and gets ready to talk as the crowd settles down. He says this is kind of a surreal night and the end of an era. He says he never thought it would end this way for Shawn. Triple H talks about meeting Shawn years ago and says they took on the world. He goes on and has something to say in front of the whole world… out of nowhere comes Sheamus. He hits Triple H in the back with what looks like a pipe. Triple H is laid out on the ramp. Sheamus heads to the back as the crowd gives him some major heat. WWE officials come out and check on Triple H as we go to commercial.

    Mickie James, Gail Kim, Eve, Beth Phoenix and Kelly Kelly vs. Vickie Guerrero, Alicia Fox, Maryse, Layla and Michelle McCool

    Back from commercial and out come the face Divas for a WrestleMania rematch. Maryse’s music hits next and out comes her team. The bell rings and it’s Maryse starting off with Eve. Maryse taunts and poses to start the match. Eve comes from behind and rolls Maryse up for the pinfall and the win. That quick.

    Winners: Mickie James, Eve, Kelly Kelly, Beth Phoenix and Gail Kim

    – After the quick match, all the Divas get in the ring and start going at it. Typical Diva stuff. Team Mickie clears the ring and sends the heel Divas to the back.

    – We get another video package with highlights from Shawn’s career. This time, the ladder match with Razor Ramon at WrestleMania 10. Cole and Lawler plug HBK’s farewell again as well as tonight’s main event with John Cena and a partner vs. Batista and Jack Swagger.

    – We see Bret Hart heading to the ring to address the fans as we go back to commercial.

    – Back from commercial and we get another Shawn Michaels. This time it’s the epic Iron Man match with Bret Hart where Shawn won the WWE Title.

    – We go to the ring where WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart makes his way down. Bret congratulates Shawn Michaels on an incredible, epic career. Bret says nobody knows better than he does that Shawn Michaels was one of the greatest wrestlers of all-time. Bret wishes Shawn the very best in the future. Bret says he finally found the closure he was looking for and it was a great feeling to beat the hell out of Vince McMahon at WrestleMania. Bret says the whole entire Hart family beat Vince. Bret says he can feel his mom, dad, Owen and Bulldog looking down from Heaven sending love. An “Owen” chant breaks out. Bret shows that he’s wearing a t-shirt with himself and Owen on it. Bret thanks the fans and says these past few months have been great. The crowd pops as Bret waves to the fans. Music hits and out comes the WWE Unified Tag Team Champions Big Show and The Miz.

    The Miz says Bret is actually proud of his win last night. Miz mocks Bret, calling him a hero. Miz says Bret is a thief. He says Bret coming back has robbed him of his time that he can’t get back. Miz says he’s sick of hearing about Bret. He says he’s the most glorified champion in WWE and if anybody deserves to talk about himself, it’s him. Miz says he won his very first WrestleMania match and he’s now 1-0… 17 wins away from tying Undertaker. Miz says he is awesome. Miz calls Bret overrated. Miz calls Bret’s entire family, including his dad, overrated. Miz calls Bret the most overrated there is, was and ever will be. Miz tells Bret to get out of his ring before his fist gives Bret’s face closure. Bret tells Miz to make him leave.

    Big Show steps up and gets in Bret’s face. The familiar music hits and out comes The Hart Dynasty – Tyson Kidd, David Hart Smith and Natalya Neidhart. Big Show and The Miz exit the ring after the Harts come in. Bret takes the mic and asks them where they’re going. Bret tells them to come back in the ring so the Hart Dynasty can embarrass them like he did Vince last night. Miz and Show argue about it for a second before heading back to the ring. We go to commercial.

    The Hart Dynasty vs. The Miz and Big Show

    Back from the break and Smith hits a big standing suplex on Miz for a 2 count. They go back and forth until Miz gets clotheslined over to the floor. Tyson Kidd goes running and Smith throws him over the top onto Miz. Bret and Natalya watch from ringside. Tyson gets a 2 count on Miz. Miz runs around the ring, gets back in and tags in Show. Tyson tries to fight him off but Show throws him off. Show lifts Tyson by his neck and tosses him. Show with another big slam on Tyson. Miz is tagged in and he hits his corner clothesline for a 2 count on Kidd.

    Tyson starts fighting Mizz off but gets rammed back in the corner. Big Show is tagged back in and puts the boot to Tyson’s neck in the corner. Show with a big chop on Kidd that sends him to the mat. Show applies a huge headlock to Tyson. Miz tags himself in and it surprises Big Show. Miz puts a lock on Kidd but Kidd slides out and tags in Smith. Smith with a big shoulder off the ropes and 2 clotheslines. Smith hits a big powerslam and gets pumped. Kidd comes in and they hit the double team Hart Attack on Miz. Tyson goes for the Sharpshooter and locks it on Miz. Show comes over and asks Miz if he’s going to listen to me now. Miz yells and Show pulls him out of the ring to safety. The crowd boo’s as the referee starts counting them out. Show and Miz head up the ramp with Show trying to talk some sense into Miz. The Harts win by count out.

    Winners by count out: The Hart Dynasty

    – After the match, Bret Hart gets in the ring and celebrates with The Hart Dynasty.

    – We go to another video package of Shawn Michaels’ career, focusing on his time with DX. We get ready for another commercial.

    – We go backstage where the Hot Tub match is still going on. Everyone is just relaxing in the hot tub with tonight’s hosts. The Divas are starting to look pissed. Tiffany says she’s creeped out and is leaving. Rosa leaves also. The Bellas are left with the hosts. The other guy from the Hot Tub movie appears on the TV screen. He says someone switched his plane tickets to keep him away from RAW, insinuating that the other hosts did it. He says The Bellas are the winners and can leave the hot tub. He says tonight’s hosts have new opponents for the Hot Tub match. Mark Henry appears in a speedo and hops in the tub in between tonight’s hosts. They try to leave but Henry tells them to stick around and tell him about Hollywood. Hornswoggle pops up from under the water with a snorkel mask on.

    – We go back to Cole and Lawler, talking about Shawn Michaels. They replay the earlier segment where Triple H was attacked by Sheamus when speaking about Shawn. We go to the ring.

    Jack Swagger and Batista vs. John Cena and Randy Orton

    Out first comes Jack Swagger with his Money in the Bank briefcase. Swagger takes a mic and says he told everyone last week he was going to win Money in the Bank. Swagger says he was just toying around with John Cena earlier tonight because when he really cashes in, he is the odds-on favorite to walk away with the WWE Title. Swagger’s music hits again as we go to commercial.

    Back from commercial and out comes Batista to the ring. His music stops and another “you tapped out” chant starts. Out next is the WWE Champion John Cena. Cena comes to the ring as we wait to see who his partner is. Cena takes a mic and says he needs everyone’s attention for a major announcement. Cena says he’s an old friend of Batista’s. Voices starts playing and out comes Randy Orton as Cena’s tag team partner.

    Batista is pissed at Orton for tagging with Cena. Orton stares Batista and Swagger down as he enters the ring. The bell rings and it’s Cena starting things out with Swagger. They lock up and go to the corner. Cena throws him from corner to corner and hits a big suplex. Cena tags in Orton. Orton stares at Batista and starts stomping on Swagger. A “RKO” chant breaks out. Orton hits the mat and gets hype. Swagger sees this and rolls out of the ring to the floor as we go to commercial.

    Back from the break and Swagger is in control of Cena after a big clothesline from Batista during the commercial. Cena tries to fight out but Swagger hits a suplex for a 2 count. Swagger runs and hits the big splash from the corner for another 2 count. Batista comes in and stomps on Cena and goes to work on the neck. Batista with a kick to the face and a 2 count. Batista hits a big spinebuster and goes for the Batista Bomb. Cena counters that with a backdrop. Orton and Swagger are tagged in at the same time. Orton unloads on Swagger and hits a big powerslam. Orton with the back breaker on Swagger for a 2 count as Batista makes the save. Batista then spears Cena. Orton hits Batista with an RKO. And an RKO for Swagger. Orton pins Swagger for the win.

    Winners: Randy Orton and John Cena

    – After the match, Cena and Orton exchange a look. Cena grabs his belt and leaves the ring. Orton goes to the top rope and does his trademark pose for the fans to a nice pop.

    – We go to another Shawn Michaels career video. This one focuses on his match against Undertaker at last year’s WrestleMania. We take another commercial.

    – Back from commercial and out comes Shawn Michaels for his farewell to the WWE Universe. Before Shawn can speak, The Undertaker’s music hits and out he comes to the stage. Taker simply tips his hat to Shawn and walks back to the back. The crowd starts chanting HBK’s name. Then they start chanting “please don’t go.” HBK starts getting emotional.

    Shawn says it’s going to be tough getting used to not being there every week now. A fan in the crowd is shown crying. A “thank you Shawn” chant breaks out. Shawn thanks the fans. He says for a long time, the fans and the ring was the only thing he had in his life. More fans are shown crying. Shawn says he wants to thank so many people but he’s afraid he will forget somebody. He says there’s this one guy he has to thank though, Triple H. Shawn says years ago, a lot of people didn’t like him but Triple H was always there for him. Shawn thanks Triple H for a real friendship they have shared. Shawn talks about the WWE crew members and announcers. He mentions Jim Ross which gets a big pop. Shawn thanks all of the WWE crew for always making him look better than he actually was. Shawn says there’s a crazy redhead kid named Adam in Stamford who makes the WWE video packages. Shawn thanks the guy for making him look like a Superstar. A “one more match” chant breaks out from the crowd.

    HBK says a lot of people will be skeptical of him returning but he says he doesn’t want to go back on his word to the fans or his word to Undertaker. Some “Whoo” chants break out. Shawn says he wants to honor his word and do everything in his power to make sure he doesn’t wrestle another match. Another “thank you Shawn” chant breaks out. Shawn says he has one more guy to thank and that’s Bret Hart. Shawn puts over Bret and thanks him for understanding and believing that Shawn was changed and forever honor their friendship. Shawn thanks Bret for giving him that opportunity. Shawn brings up Vince McMahon next and the crowd boo’s.

    Shawn says there’s no way he could ever work for anyone else after working for Vince McMahon. Shawn thanks Vince for everything and for keeping him on course, allowing him to be standing here today. Another chant breaks out for Shawn. Shawn says he has traveled the world and met many people. Shawn goes on and another “HBK” chant breaks out. Shawn thanks Jesus Christ for saving him. He tells his wife and kids that he’s coming home. Shawn says this is how they started and this is how it’s going to end… The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels has left the building, Shawn says. Shawn waves goodbye as they applaud him. Shawn walks up the ramp touching hands with the fans. Shawn stops at the top of the ramp and waves goodbye again before clapping. His music hits and Triple H comes out and hugs him. Triple H pulls out DX glowsticks and sets them on the stage in the shape of an X. RAW goes off the air with Shawn Michaels walking to the back one final time.- Tonight’s WWE RAW kicks off with Michael Cole welcoming us to the US Airways Center from Phoenix, Arizona. Lawler and Cole talks about WrestleMania. Tonight, Shawn Michaels will say goodbye to the WWE Universe.

    – We go to the ring where the former WWE Champion Batista makes his way out. Batista comes out in street clothes and looks pissed as he walks to the ring. The crowd boo’s Batista as his music stops. Batista tries to talk but the heat from the crowd is deafening. Batista says everyone expects him to come out and throw a fit about losing the WWE Title but he’s not going to give the satisfaction. He says last night was a blip on the radar, a fluke. A “you tapped out” chant starts from the crowd.

    Batista says he’s owed a rematch and no matter what happens, John Cena cannot beat him. John Cena’s music hits and out comes the WWE Champion to a monster pop from the fans.

    There’s a bit of a mixed reaction when Cena gets in the ring. He says there’s some WrestleMania energy left in the air tonight. Cena jokes about beating Batista last night. A “Cena sucks” chant breaks out now. Cena mocks Batista for tapping out last night. Batista is getting pissed. Cena talks about the rematch and proposes that it happen tonight on RAW. The crowd loves this. Cena challenges Batista for tonight. Batista asks the fans if they would like to see that. Not tonight, he says. The crowd doesn’t like this. Batista punches Cena and they go at it. Batista rolls out of the ring and they stare each other down. From out of nowhere, Jack Swagger attacks John Cena from behind with the Money in the Bank briefcase.

    Swagger takes a mic and declares that he’s cashing in right now. Swagger goes back in the ring but Cena almost gets him locked in the STF. Swagger rolls out of the ring and gets away from Cena’s STF as a referee is running in. Swagger starts saying no way, the match never started. And it didn’t. The bell never rang so it appears Swagger did not use his shot yet. Swagger heads to the back, talking trash to Cena.

    – Cole and Lawler talk about Shawn Michaels losing to Undertaker last night. They lead us to a video package showing highlights from Shawn’s career. We come back and they plug Shawn’s farewell on RAW tonight. We go back to commercial.

    – Back from the break and out come some WWE legends. Ted DiBiase Sr., Nick Bockwinkel, IRS, Pat Patterson and Arn Anderson make their way to the ring and stand around it. Roddy Piper’s music hits next and out he comes. He brings Sgt. Slaughter, Tony Garea and Ricky Steamboat with him. Jerry Lawler puts down his headset and heads around the ring as well. Justin Roberts brings out tonight’s RAW hosts – the two guys from Hot Tub Time Machine. They announce tonight’s main event as Jack Swagger and Batista vs. John Cena and a partner of his choosing. They also announce a Hot Tub match between them two and the WWE Divas. The reason for the Legends being around the ring is for this Legends Lumberjack match.

    Legends Lumberjack Match: Christian vs. Ted DiBiase

    Christian is introduced first as the WWE Legends applaud him from ringside. Christian gets a big pop from the crowd. Out next is his opponent, Ted DiBiase. Ted’s father The Million Dollar Man claps for him. We go to commercial as Ted enters the ring.

    Back from the break and Ted is going at it with Christian. Christian ends up slapping Ted to the mat. More back and forth until Ted is thrown over to the floor. They throw Ted right back into the ring. Ted comes back with a big clothesline on Christian and a 2 count. Ted works Christian over in the corner now. Christian with a big right hand. He goes for the DDT off the top but Ted counters, throws him and hits a kick to the face. 2 count by Ted.

    More back and forth and a 2 count by Christian. Christian hits a dropkick from the top and gets another 2 count. Ted pulls Christian’s legs out and goes for Dream Street. Christian counters it and ends up kicking Ted in the head. Christian with a forearm off the top. Christian goes for Killswitch but Ted counters and they both go to the floor. The Legends start fighting each other at ringside. This distracts Ted once he’s back in the ring. Christian hits the Killswitch for the pinfall and the win.

    Winner: Christian

    – After the match, Christian heads up the ramp celebrating with Garea, Piper, Steamboat and Slaughter. Ted Sr. gets in the ring to help Ted Jr. up. Ted bucks back and it kind of shocks his father. The crowd boo’s Ted Jr. as he heads out of the ring and up the ramp while his dad looks on from the ring.

    – We go to another video package of HBK’s career.

    – Triple H is shown heading to the ring as we go back to commercial.

    – Back from commercial and the announcers lead us into a video showing highlights from WrestleMania 26 festivities this past week in Phoenix.

    – We go backstage where the RAW hosts are in bath robes. Santino Marella walks by with a line. The hosts walk over to the hot tub where Rosa, The Bella Twins and Tiffany are sitting in it in bikinis. The winner of this gets a future Divas Title match. The hosts get in and start the “match”, sitting beside the Divas. They pull out champagne and say there aren’t any “losers” in this match. The Divas say there has to be a loser and they start sipping champagne. We go to the ring.

    – Triple H’s music starts playing and he appears on the stage looking a bit sad. Triple H stays on the stage and gets ready to talk as the crowd settles down. He says this is kind of a surreal night and the end of an era. He says he never thought it would end this way for Shawn. Triple H talks about meeting Shawn years ago and says they took on the world. He goes on and has something to say in front of the whole world… out of nowhere comes Sheamus. He hits Triple H in the back with what looks like a pipe. Triple H is laid out on the ramp. Sheamus heads to the back as the crowd gives him some major heat. WWE officials come out and check on Triple H as we go to commercial.

    Mickie James, Gail Kim, Eve, Beth Phoenix and Kelly Kelly vs. Vickie Guerrero, Alicia Fox, Maryse, Layla and Michelle McCool

    Back from commercial and out come the face Divas for a WrestleMania rematch. Maryse’s music hits next and out comes her team. The bell rings and it’s Maryse starting off with Eve. Maryse taunts and poses to start the match. Eve comes from behind and rolls Maryse up for the pinfall and the win. That quick.

    Winners: Mickie James, Eve, Kelly Kelly, Beth Phoenix and Gail Kim

    – After the quick match, all the Divas get in the ring and start going at it. Typical Diva stuff. Team Mickie clears the ring and sends the heel Divas to the back.

    – We get another video package with highlights from Shawn’s career. This time, the ladder match with Razor Ramon at WrestleMania 10. Cole and Lawler plug HBK’s farewell again as well as tonight’s main event with John Cena and a partner vs. Batista and Jack Swagger.

    – We see Bret Hart heading to the ring to address the fans as we go back to commercial.

    – Back from commercial and we get another Shawn Michaels. This time it’s the epic Iron Man match with Bret Hart where Shawn won the WWE Title.

    – We go to the ring where WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart makes his way down. Bret congratulates Shawn Michaels on an incredible, epic career. Bret says nobody knows better than he does that Shawn Michaels was one of the greatest wrestlers of all-time. Bret wishes Shawn the very best in the future. Bret says he finally found the closure he was looking for and it was a great feeling to beat the hell out of Vince McMahon at WrestleMania. Bret says the whole entire Hart family beat Vince. Bret says he can feel his mom, dad, Owen and Bulldog looking down from Heaven sending love. An “Owen” chant breaks out. Bret shows that he’s wearing a t-shirt with himself and Owen on it. Bret thanks the fans and says these past few months have been great. The crowd pops as Bret waves to the fans. Music hits and out comes the WWE Unified Tag Team Champions Big Show and The Miz.

    The Miz says Bret is actually proud of his win last night. Miz mocks Bret, calling him a hero. Miz says Bret is a thief. He says Bret coming back has robbed him of his time that he can’t get back. Miz says he’s sick of hearing about Bret. He says he’s the most glorified champion in WWE and if anybody deserves to talk about himself, it’s him. Miz says he won his very first WrestleMania match and he’s now 1-0… 17 wins away from tying Undertaker. Miz says he is awesome. Miz calls Bret overrated. Miz calls Bret’s entire family, including his dad, overrated. Miz calls Bret the most overrated there is, was and ever will be. Miz tells Bret to get out of his ring before his fist gives Bret’s face closure. Bret tells Miz to make him leave.

    Big Show steps up and gets in Bret’s face. The familiar music hits and out comes The Hart Dynasty – Tyson Kidd, David Hart Smith and Natalya Neidhart. Big Show and The Miz exit the ring after the Harts come in. Bret takes the mic and asks them where they’re going. Bret tells them to come back in the ring so the Hart Dynasty can embarrass them like he did Vince last night. Miz and Show argue about it for a second before heading back to the ring. We go to commercial.

    The Hart Dynasty vs. The Miz and Big Show

    Back from the break and Smith hits a big standing suplex on Miz for a 2 count. They go back and forth until Miz gets clotheslined over to the floor. Tyson Kidd goes running and Smith throws him over the top onto Miz. Bret and Natalya watch from ringside. Tyson gets a 2 count on Miz. Miz runs around the ring, gets back in and tags in Show. Tyson tries to fight him off but Show throws him off. Show lifts Tyson by his neck and tosses him. Show with another big slam on Tyson. Miz is tagged in and he hits his corner clothesline for a 2 count on Kidd.

    Tyson starts fighting Mizz off but gets rammed back in the corner. Big Show is tagged back in and puts the boot to Tyson’s neck in the corner. Show with a big chop on Kidd that sends him to the mat. Show applies a huge headlock to Tyson. Miz tags himself in and it surprises Big Show. Miz puts a lock on Kidd but Kidd slides out and tags in Smith. Smith with a big shoulder off the ropes and 2 clotheslines. Smith hits a big powerslam and gets pumped. Kidd comes in and they hit the double team Hart Attack on Miz. Tyson goes for the Sharpshooter and locks it on Miz. Show comes over and asks Miz if he’s going to listen to me now. Miz yells and Show pulls him out of the ring to safety. The crowd boo’s as the referee starts counting them out. Show and Miz head up the ramp with Show trying to talk some sense into Miz. The Harts win by count out.

    Winners by count out: The Hart Dynasty

    – After the match, Bret Hart gets in the ring and celebrates with The Hart Dynasty.

    – We go to another video package of Shawn Michaels’ career, focusing on his time with DX. We get ready for another commercial.

    – We go backstage where the Hot Tub match is still going on. Everyone is just relaxing in the hot tub with tonight’s hosts. The Divas are starting to look pissed. Tiffany says she’s creeped out and is leaving. Rosa leaves also. The Bellas are left with the hosts. The other guy from the Hot Tub movie appears on the TV screen. He says someone switched his plane tickets to keep him away from RAW, insinuating that the other hosts did it. He says The Bellas are the winners and can leave the hot tub. He says tonight’s hosts have new opponents for the Hot Tub match. Mark Henry appears in a speedo and hops in the tub in between tonight’s hosts. They try to leave but Henry tells them to stick around and tell him about Hollywood. Hornswoggle pops up from under the water with a snorkel mask on.

    – We go back to Cole and Lawler, talking about Shawn Michaels. They replay the earlier segment where Triple H was attacked by Sheamus when speaking about Shawn. We go to the ring.

    Jack Swagger and Batista vs. John Cena and Randy Orton

    Out first comes Jack Swagger with his Money in the Bank briefcase. Swagger takes a mic and says he told everyone last week he was going to win Money in the Bank. Swagger says he was just toying around with John Cena earlier tonight because when he really cashes in, he is the odds-on favorite to walk away with the WWE Title. Swagger’s music hits again as we go to commercial.

    Back from commercial and out comes Batista to the ring. His music stops and another “you tapped out” chant starts. Out next is the WWE Champion John Cena. Cena comes to the ring as we wait to see who his partner is. Cena takes a mic and says he needs everyone’s attention for a major announcement. Cena says he’s an old friend of Batista’s. Voices starts playing and out comes Randy Orton as Cena’s tag team partner.

    Batista is pissed at Orton for tagging with Cena. Orton stares Batista and Swagger down as he enters the ring. The bell rings and it’s Cena starting things out with Swagger. They lock up and go to the corner. Cena throws him from corner to corner and hits a big suplex. Cena tags in Orton. Orton stares at Batista and starts stomping on Swagger. A “RKO” chant breaks out. Orton hits the mat and gets hype. Swagger sees this and rolls out of the ring to the floor as we go to commercial.

    Back from the break and Swagger is in control of Cena after a big clothesline from Batista during the commercial. Cena tries to fight out but Swagger hits a suplex for a 2 count. Swagger runs and hits the big splash from the corner for another 2 count. Batista comes in and stomps on Cena and goes to work on the neck. Batista with a kick to the face and a 2 count. Batista hits a big spinebuster and goes for the Batista Bomb. Cena counters that with a backdrop. Orton and Swagger are tagged in at the same time. Orton unloads on Swagger and hits a big powerslam. Orton with the back breaker on Swagger for a 2 count as Batista makes the save. Batista then spears Cena. Orton hits Batista with an RKO. And an RKO for Swagger. Orton pins Swagger for the win.

    Winners: Randy Orton and John Cena

    – After the match, Cena and Orton exchange a look. Cena grabs his belt and leaves the ring. Orton goes to the top rope and does his trademark pose for the fans to a nice pop.

    – We go to another Shawn Michaels career video. This one focuses on his match against Undertaker at last year’s WrestleMania. We take another commercial.

    – Back from commercial and out comes Shawn Michaels for his farewell to the WWE Universe. Before Shawn can speak, The Undertaker’s music hits and out he comes to the stage. Taker simply tips his hat to Shawn and walks back to the back. The crowd starts chanting HBK’s name. Then they start chanting “please don’t go.” HBK starts getting emotional.

    Shawn says it’s going to be tough getting used to not being there every week now. A fan in the crowd is shown crying. A “thank you Shawn” chant breaks out. Shawn thanks the fans. He says for a long time, the fans and the ring was the only thing he had in his life. More fans are shown crying. Shawn says he wants to thank so many people but he’s afraid he will forget somebody. He says there’s this one guy he has to thank though, Triple H. Shawn says years ago, a lot of people didn’t like him but Triple H was always there for him. Shawn thanks Triple H for a real friendship they have shared. Shawn talks about the WWE crew members and announcers. He mentions Jim Ross which gets a big pop. Shawn thanks all of the WWE crew for always making him look better than he actually was. Shawn says there’s a crazy redhead kid named Adam in Stamford who makes the WWE video packages. Shawn thanks the guy for making him look like a Superstar. A “one more match” chant breaks out from the crowd.

    HBK says a lot of people will be skeptical of him returning but he says he doesn’t want to go back on his word to the fans or his word to Undertaker. Some “Whoo” chants break out. Shawn says he wants to honor his word and do everything in his power to make sure he doesn’t wrestle another match. Another “thank you Shawn” chant breaks out. Shawn says he has one more guy to thank and that’s Bret Hart. Shawn puts over Bret and thanks him for understanding and believing that Shawn was changed and forever honor their friendship. Shawn thanks Bret for giving him that opportunity. Shawn brings up Vince McMahon next and the crowd boo’s.

    Shawn says there’s no way he could ever work for anyone else after working for Vince McMahon. Shawn thanks Vince for everything and for keeping him on course, allowing him to be standing here today. Another chant breaks out for Shawn. Shawn says he has traveled the world and met many people. Shawn goes on and another “HBK” chant breaks out. Shawn thanks Jesus Christ for saving him. He tells his wife and kids that he’s coming home. Shawn says this is how they started and this is how it’s going to end… The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels has left the building, Shawn says. Shawn waves goodbye as they applaud him. Shawn walks up the ramp touching hands with the fans. Shawn stops at the top of the ramp and waves goodbye again before clapping. His music hits and Triple H comes out and hugs him. Triple H pulls out DX glowsticks and sets them on the stage in the shape of an X. RAW goes off the air with Shawn Michaels walking to the back one final time.

  • Video Of Shawn Michaels’ Backstage Retirement Celebration

    Shawn Michaels came up short against the Undertaker last night at WrestleMania XXVI and as a result, has been forced into retirement.

    For those wondering, the angle is legitimate and Michaels days as an active performer are likely over. The word backstage at WrestleMania is that last night was Michaels’ final match (at least for a long time) and everybody was congratulating him on a great career and saying their goodbyes to him. The WWE Public Relations representative in the media section at WrestleMania was also telling reporters that the retirement is legitimate.

    There has been talk of holding a retirement ceremony for Michaels on tonight’s RAW or in the near future. While the door is always open down the road for Michaels to wrestle “one more match,” he really is leaving WWE.

    WWE.com has an exclusive video of Shawn Michaels being given a round of applause when he returned backstage, and being greeted by Ricky Steamboat, sharing an emotional moment with his wife, and joking around Bret Hart.

    [VIDEO DELETED]

  • Bret Talks About Getting His Revenge, Production Error, More

    — In the following video, Bret Hart talks about getting his revenge at WrestleMania XXV. He says Vince McMahon was “excellently executed.”

    — There was a production error during Rey Mysterio’s entrance last night at WrestleMania, though it was not shown on the pay-per-view broadcast. He was set to be shot into the air via trap door, but the entrance failed to work. He was forced to crawl out of the hole and on to the stage.

    The Arizona Republic has an article discussing what WrestleMania has meant to the cities of Phoenix and Glendale.

    — Some people in San Francisco and the UK reported problems with WWE.com’s Wrestlemania XXVI feed.

  • Missing Talent From WrestleMania, Hall of Fame Divas, More

    — Two wrestlers were left off last night’s pre-show battle royal — Ezekiel Jackson and Curt Hawkins. Though Hawkins is still listed on the official SmackDown roster, he is considered a developmental wrestler nowadays. Reportedly, Hawkins asked to be to sent down to FCW last spring so he could repackage himself before returning to the main roster.

    Other talent left off the big show altogether were Katie Lea, Rosa Mendes, Tiffany, Theodore Long, Abraham Washington, Tony Atlas, Jim Ross, Todd Grisham and Byron Saxton.

    — The WWE website has posted photos of the Divas in their gowns at Saturday’s WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Among those featured are Alicia Fox, Beth Phoenix, Brie Bella, Gail Kim, Jillian, Katie Lea, Kelly Kelly, Layla, Maryse, Melina, Michelle McCool, Mickie James, Nikki Bella, Rosa Mendes, Tiffany and Vickie Guerrero.

    — “Shawn Michaels” and “Thank You Shawn” were top trending topics on Twitter last night.

  • 14 Cities Want WrestleMania, New WWE Movie Strategy

    The Hollywood Reporter reports that WWE’s movie division (WWE Studios) will be shooting movies back-to-back as part of a new strategy to save on filming costs. The movies shot under this new plan are John Cena’s Legendary, Big Show’s Knucklehead and Randy Orton’s Big Red. WWE is planning to release 9 movies under this back-to-back shooting schedule. 2011 will see three WWE movies released in theaters. John Cena’s Legendary will get a limited two-week theatrical release in the US beginning in September. The DVD of the movie will be released two weeks later to take advantage of one single marketing campaign.

    – With the incredible amount of money WrestleMania brings to its host city each year, Variety.com reports that a staggering 14 cities are vying to host WWE’s showcase event over the next 3 years. WrestleMania brought over $50 million to the local economies of Orlando and Houston in 2008 and 2009 and around 60% of the fans who attended those shows traveled from other states to be there. The article contains quotes from various city officials gushing about the significance of their cities hosting WrestleMania. According to Variety, Miami, Los Angeles, New York City, Detroit, Toronto, Tampa, Vancouver, New Orleans, St. Louis, Jacksonville, Orlando and Houston are now in the running to host WrestleMania 28, 29 and 30. As reported earlier, Atlanta will host WrestleMania XXVII on 4/3/11.

  • Triple H Talks About His WresetleMania Win Over Sheamus

    In an interview with WWE.com following WrestleMania XXVI, Triple H strongly endorsed his opponent Sheamus and hinted at a rematch with the Celtic Warrior.

    Triple H said, “I tell you what, there’s nothing I like better than a good fight. I look forward to getting back in the ring with Sheamus.”

    Hunter said Sheamus has that “it” factor to be a top star in the company and showed the world at WrestleMania that he deserves his spot as one of WWE’s top up and coming stars.

    “A lot of things go on in this business; a lot of things are said to get to WrestleMania. On the way here, I said if Sheamus didn’t beat me, he would fall into a pit of obscurity. Not going to happen,” Hunter said. “He has something I haven’t seen in a long time in this business. He reminds me of the way I started when I got into this business.”

    Click here to see video of the interview.