Category: WWE

  • Divas Blocked From Answering Question, Jericho Lands Cover

    — Continuing their promotional push of WWE’s upcoming Royal Rumble pay-per-view to UK fans last week, Kelly Kelly and Maria appeared as guests on BBC Radio’s 1Xtra show. In an interesting note, both Divas said that they disliked their theme music and would change it if they could. They were also asked about dating fellow wrestlers, but the subject was promptly changed as the WWE public relations representative outside the studio door was reportedly going nuts.

    WWE often has a rep listening in during media interviews with talent in order to prevent taboo subjects such as dating, wrestler deaths and steroid use from being discussed. (source: Mike Aldren of the Wrestling Globe Newsletter)

    — An apparently unphotoshopped Chris Jericho is featured on the cover of latest issue of Men’s Fitness, which hits newsstands this Tuesday. Included is a six-page pictorial and interview in which the SmackDown Superstar shares his exercise tips. (Get fit with Chris Jericho)

  • WWE Star Suffers Injury, SmackDown Being Preempted, More

    — Drew McIntyre reportedly suffered a dislocated patella during his match at Tuesday’s SmackDown taping. While there is no official word on the injury, the Intercontinental Champion does appear to be injured, but the severity is not known at this time. (source: f4wonline.com)

    — The MyNetworkTV affiliate in Washington, D.C. will be pre-empting this week’s episode of Friday Night Smackdown in favor of the Hope for Haiti telethon is airing on most broadcast television networks. Instead, WDCA will air SmackDown at 10:00 p.m. EST following the telethon.

    In another preemption, the MyNetworkTV affiliate out of New York City is moving SmackDown to 11:35 p.m.

    — On Ticketmaster.com, there is a presale for tickets to the April 19, 2010 Raw taping at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey using the access code “Access”.

  • Undertaker Retirement Update, Batista’s Role At The Rumble

    – As previously reported, the Undertaker is said to be in rough physical shape and is working through significant pain in recent months. However, talk of him retiring at WrestleMania 26 are premature. His physical limitations are already affecting how often he wrestles and what he’s able to do in the ring, but there’s been talk of Undertaking retiring for nearly a decade, so many expect him to continue working through the pain for months and years to come.

    — Although Batista is currently advertised to be one of the 30 participants in the Royal rumble match, Rey Mysterio did a radio interview in Mexico last week stating that his match with the Undertaker at the Rumble will be a three-way.

    – Speaking of the Royal Rumble, the Phillips Arena in Atlanta, GA, the site this year’s Rumble, is already sold out.

    (Source: F4wonline.com)

  • RAW Rating, NASCAR Driver Hosting Raw, Early Draft Talk

    – Monday’s RAW did a 3.6 rating, with hours of 3.52 and 3.63.

    – WWE has announced another NASCAR star will host Monday Night Raw, as driver Carl Edwards will host the February 8th Raw.

    – While nothing is set in stone, WWE has already begun deliberating plans for the post-WrestleMania draft,  according to f4wonline.com. Tthe initial ideas call for the splitting up of some long-term WWE Superstar partnerships and tag teams.

  • Randy Orton Responds To Allegations He Assaulted A Fan

    Earlier this month a 15-year-old WWE fan accused Randy Orton of assault after Orton allegedly spit gum in his face and swore at him outside a restaurant in Boston, Mass. The fan claims he asked Orton for a picture when the WWE superstar got hostile and “assaulted” him.

    Orton posted a message on his website explaining his side of the story:

    “Here’s what happened: I walked out of Kowloon’s Friday night around 12:30-1 a.m. with Santino and a police officer escort. As I was being rudely hounded for pictures and autos (I had a 6:40 a.m. flight through Minni to Lincoln, then a drive to Omaha, a match, a drive back to Omaha, then a charter to Minni, and a driver to Rochester for the next show the next day, btw), I was confronted by an older women who said: ‘Hey Randy, you spit on my handicapped son a few years ago at a show, what do you have to say about that?’ My replay…`So Sue me.’

    Then I proceeded to my car, with Santino and the cop and drove back to our hotel by the Boston airport. I know I have been a bit of a hothead in the past, but I DID NOT spit gum and call names to any child. The women is claiming I called her son a `retard’ 3 times, and spit gum in his face. Come on people, even at my worst temperament, I would never call a handicapped child something awful like that. I’ll actually sign anything for any child with any disability.

    I heard just today from WWE attorneys that this women filed assault charges against me 4 days later? Hmmm, oh, and what about the dozens of cops at the restaurant that were there for crowd control since there were over 100 wrestling fans there? Not to mention the cop that escorted me to my freaking car. I’ll be happy when this is over. I guess if I’ve learned anything from this, it is not to ever challenge anyone to sue me.”

  • JR Blog: The Rock Returning To WWE, Brock Lesnar

    WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog at JRsBarBQ.com. Here are some highlights

    Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Returning To WWE: “Loved it on Letterman when Dwayne said that he would always be “The Rock” which was not only true but had to make wrestling fans around the Globe feel good. I don’t ever see the Rock wrestling again but I know that he will host Raw sometime in the future to reconnect with his fans and to promote his latest project. I also know from the communication that Rock and I have that he still loves the business and most importantly the fans of the business who always support his film projects. There is no more positive person that I communicate with than is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson which is extremely refreshing. ”

    Brock Lesnar’s Big Announcement: “Brock Lesnar is a lucky man and I am thankful that he is going to be able to live a normal life not to mention resuming his UFC fighting career. Lesnar found his niche in UFC and is tailor made for the fastest growing, legitimate sport in the world. People love  to pay to see heavyweights, always have and always will, and Brock Lesnar is THE heavyweight in the eyes of many MMA fans today.”

  • RVD Talks About Returning To WWE, January 4th

    Former WWE and ECW champion Rob Van Dam appeared on the “Busted Open” Sirius satellite radio show this week and spoke about whether he’d be willing to return to World Wrestling Entertainment.

    “If the conditions were right, then the conditions would be right. I can tell you for sure that I have no interest in returning to a full-time schedule like I did before. That’s not going to happen.”

    RVD told the hosts that the WWE vs. TNA battle on January 4th was the first time in while that he had watched wrestling. He says Hulk Hogan and Bret Hart felt special, but the feeling didn’t last long.

    “That was the first wrestling that I watched in the longest time, and it’s also the last wrestling I watched. I flipped back and forth with skepticism,” RVD said. “There was optimism. There was hope. The whole thing with Hogan and the change. It was a nice moment. I liked seeing Bret. I was comparing and about 45 minutes into it I felt like I was just watching wrestling and I lost interest.”

  • Punk Shaves Diva’s Head At SmackDown Taping (PICTURE)

    WWE Diva Serena Deeb
    WWE Diva Mia Mancini

    On this week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown, CM Punk converts a member of the WWE Universe to the Straightedge Society for the third week in a row, shaving his new recruit’s head as a symbol of his transformation from his “past transgressions” into a new way of life. In this case, the latest member of his society happens to be female and under contract to World Wrestling Entertainment.

    WWE developmental wrestler Mia Mancini (a/k/a Serena Deeb) portrays a fan trying desperately to reach Punk, going as far to make it up the ramp before a security guard stops her. However, Punk tells the guard to let her go and allows her to enter the ring. Following his trademark long-winded speech, Punk proceeds to shave her head bald.

    Given that she’s under contract to WWE, it would appear that this was Deeb’s official debut on the main roster, but that has not yet been confirmed. Although, Mickie James posted a note on Twitter this morning regarding her, writing: “Welcome 2 the dance!”

    Here’s a picture of the lovely Mia Mancini after getting her head shaved by CM Punk:

    balddeep

  • Vince McMahon Taking Full Control Of WWE’s Movie Studio

    WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon is taking full control over WWE Studios after ending distribution relationships with Lionsgate and 20th Century Fox, according to an article from entertainment industry publication Variety.  Will will now be able to “fully own and exploit” all aspects of its movies.

    WWE has announced new partnerships with Samuel Goldwyn Films for theatrical releases and Vivendi Entertainment for DVD releases, but Vince McMahon says WWE has “learned a great deal” about the business to handle all aspects of movie making.

    “This is an opportunity for us to completely control everything from the production all the way through to release,” McMahon said. “We’re putting our money where our mouth is.”

    WWE plans to film nine movies by 2012. All filming will take place in the city of New Orleans, which will save WWE a bundle in production costs due to the city’s tremendous tax breaks. To crank out 9 movies by 2010, WWE plans to film the movies one after the other, with minimal down time in between.

    McMahon also said one of main reasons they want to control the production and distribution of WWE movies is to better market each film toward their TV audience. He admits WWE hasn’t done a great job working with other distributors.

    “There’s a much larger number that we’re not reaching,” McMahon said. “We have the resources, we just need to leverage all of it. There are so many different things that we can do.”

    For more about the big changes at WWE Studios, visit Variety.com.

  • Big Show Talks About Shane McMahon’s Future

    The UK’s Sun has a new interview up with Big Show to promote the WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view. Regarding Shane McMahon leaving WWE, Big Show had the following to say:

    “Shane is a lot like his dad. Vince struck away from his dad and ended up buying him out. Shane is the type that wants to follow his own path and he is going to do fine. I don’t see Shane starting up a rival wrestling company, but he wanted to do some Mixed Martial Arts thing then maybe. If Shane wanted to work on a production company for movies then that can happen too. Shane is a very charismatic, intelligent man, a very driven person, so whatever avenue he chooses to go into he is going to be very successful at it. He cant ask for anymore than that.”

    Despite the fact that Shane has been groomed his entire life to have an executive role in World Wrestling Entertainment, Show understands that Shane has to be his own man and do what’s right for him.

    “We all work together and there are a lot of guys that really love him and he loves them too. But we are business men and grown men too. There comes a time where every man has to make a decision for himself and his family and everyone respects that.”

    To read the full interview visit TheSun.co.uk.

  • WWE RAW Results (1/18): Don Johnson & John Heder Host

    This week’s RAW starts with a Martin Luther King JR. video, as they do every year.

    Musicand pyro.

    Vince McMahon out to the ring. Video of Vince and Bret shaking hand, but then Vince kicked Bret in the gut. Vince says life’s about decisions. You make good and bad decisions, especially in business. He made the decision to bring RAW to this God forsaken city. He made the decision to bring in Bret. Then he made the decision to kick Bret as hard as he could in the gut. He wants Bret to be remembered as he is, a broken down old war horse who needs to be put down. It’s his job to put them down when they get like that. It’s like most everyone, they chew gum. Walking at the same time’s another story. You chew gum, then spit it out when it loses its flavor. If he’s allowed Bret to stay it would have been like a disease. Like gangrene in your finger, then into your hand and arm. You have to chop it off before it takes over. He tells them to go ahead and boo. They’re all hypocritical and know it. They want faster and stronger. More action, more grandeur. He didn’t make the decision that Bret can’t come back to the WWE, the fans did. GONG! Vince was stopped dead in his tracks. Out to the ring – fire, smoke lights and all! Taker’s in the gear he had been wearing, not the throwback gear he’s been wearing lately on SD! Vince says he wasn’t quite finished saying what he was going to say. It’s his time, his show… Taker says the way he sees it, it’s his time now. He came out to address HBK, but he needs to tell Vince something his own ego won’t allow him to admit. There’s not many of them left, but he was there, 12 years ago in Montreal. He saw the whole thing. He saw the fear in his eyes then and he sees it now. Vince screwed Bret Hart. Not once, but twice. And now he’s terrified of the consequences. As he should be! What he did was the act of a coward. Vince says, with all do respect he disagrees with his point of view, but it is Taker’s time. Vince quickly leaves the ring and scurries away. Taker says stubbornness, anger, denial. Not just attributes of Vince, but also lie in the heart of HBK. Almost a year ago he said he’d go to WM and end Taker’s streak. He did prove, without a shadow of a doubt that he is Mr. Wrestlemania, but the streak is intact. For a month now HBK’s trying to get Taker’s attention. He’s requested a rematch at this WM. So he stands before him with his answer, one he wanted to deliver personally. HBK comes out in too much DX gear to face Taker. They stare at each other in the ring. “HBK” chants erupt and grow to take over the arena. “Here I am Deadman…” HBK says he’s anxiously awaiting and answer and is all ear. Taker said HBK came closer than all the others, but still failed. A rematch at this WM will only result in more bitter disappointment for himself. Taker has nothing to prove to him. His answer… Is no! HBK looks down and away. HBK says he has the audacity to come out here and look him in the eye… Taker says if HBK’s convinced he can beat him, he has the opportunity tonight. HBK says no. Taker glares. HBK says he wants nothing more than to beat Taker, but it will be on the grandest stage of them all. He realizes what he has to do now. He’ll enter the RR and when he wins. And believe him, Taker, he will win. There won’t be any mystery about the Champion HBK will face. The Champion is Taker. Taker says he’ll be the Champion at WM, so winning the RR will be HBK’s only chance at salvation. HBK says after he wins the RR, he’ll see him at WM. Taker’s streak, his title, his soul will be HBK’s. GONG! The lights go down and Taker leaves HBK in the ring looking pensive.

    – Commercial

    Slam Of The Week – Last Monday was a Three Way Match between Cena, Kofi and Orton. Cody and Ted got involved. Orton got the win and showed his ass at Kofi for not doing what he thought should happen in the ring. Orton lost his temper as wasn’t scripted.

    Sheamus out to the ring. Evan Bourne in the ring waiting.

    The bell rings and Orton comes out to the stage. Sheamus onto Evan in a corner. Evan into an elbow. Orton on his way to the ring, Sheamus’ sees Orton coming. Sheamus out to the apron and Evan attacks with kicks. Evan up flies, riding Sheamus down. Evan pins for two. Backbreaker on Evan. Big boot to Evan’s face. Sheamus hits his finisher on Evan and pins for three.

    – Winner: Sheamus

    Sheamus immediately glares down at Orton. Orton slowly and carefully climbs the stairs to the ring. “RKO” chants smatter through the arena. Orton in and stares at Sheamus. Sheamus stares back. Sheamus backs away and reaches out for his belt. “Randy” chants. Sheamus raises his belt and gets heat. Sheamus then backs out of the ring and backs away up the ramp, the whole time watching Orton closely.

    Backstage HHH up to HBK. HBK asks if he’s seen that. HHH says he did, then Don Johnson walks up. Much friendship. Johnson is looking for Heder. HBK says he knows who Johnson is, but don’t know who Heder is. HBK asks HHH what’s up? HHH says he’ll talk later. HHH cuts on Heder. Johnson says that he did remember HHH and Heder had some problems before. HHH says at least Johnson showed up on time. Johnson says he’s a professional. HHH heads off and Johnson sees someone who looks like Dynamite from behind. He turns the guy around thinking it’s Heder dressed up, but it’s Carlito dressed up. Johnson says he must be a Napoleon Dynamite fan. The fake teeth come out and Carlito says he’s never seen it before stomping off. Johnson looks very confused.

    – Commercial

    Promo for the Royal Rumble.

    Jack Swagger out to the ring. Video of Swagger talking smack last week, challenging anyone to try to throw him over the top rope. Santino comes out and manages to eliminate Swagger with a reversal. Santino shocked himself. Swagger has a mic and says last week was a fluke. He’s an all American American American American. In the RR he’ll throw out anyone who gets in his path. He’s issuing another all American American Challenge. He tells Santino to get out there if he dares. Santino comes out to the stage dressed like Don Johnson from Miami Vice. He says there’s nothing more that he’s like than to go down and throw him over the top ropes again. He’s more than just a wrestler, he’s also the president of the IDJFC – the Italian Don Johnson Fan Club. Seeing that Don Johnson’s here tonight, he’s busy. But he found a more than suitable substitution. Out comes Mark Henry. Henry started a high five and Santino figured it out and slapped his hand.

    Henry smiles as Swagger dances around. Swagger attacks Henry in the upper back a couple times, Henry just turns and stares. Henry picks Swagger up high and drops him from the ring.

    – Winner: Mark Henry

    Swagger pitches a fit worthy of Christian when he was with DDP. Henry just smiles. Video of the drop from the ring.

    Backstage a limo pulls up. The Bella twins climb out and then Heder. He tells the person in the limo to stay there until he says to come out (Bret Hart?). Heder says “Go Nashville!” One of the Bellas corrected him to tell him it’s Knoxville (WWE hasn’t updated their schedule, therefore I had the wrong location as well. I’m sorry for my massive screw up!)

    – Commercial

    John Heder and Don Johnson out to the ring with the Bellas. Don gets the fans going. He says they’re thrilled to be hosting RAW. They know… Heder cut him off saying how awesome it is to have real life movie stars. Let’s hear it for movies! Not much response. Don says tonight’s main event will feature DX. Heder cuts on DX and says it’s not working for him. It’s not that DX isn’t great, they’re okay. They’re from southern Cali and have a new football coach. Since he started coaching at USC. He’s bringing out someone else who’s awesome, The Miz! Miz out to the ring. Miz says it’s nice to have actual celebrities as celebrity guest hosts. Miz thanks Heder for putting Miz in the RR. Miz says since they go way back, he thinks Heder should know that HHH said that Don should host alone tonight. Doesn’t HHH know that Heder’s movies have brought in over 300 million dollars? Heder says 358 million, that’s just domestic. Don offhandedly said Vice did that in a week. Miz says he has the utmost respect for Don. Back in the day Don was what Miz is now, the hottest thing on TV. Everyone wanted to be Crockett, they all wanted to be him. But then the guy who road his coat tails. Don says everyone remembers Tubbs! Miz says on RAW that have another name for him, MVP. Heder and Miz cut on the locals in an inane way. MVP’s music and out he comes. MVP says he’s from Miami and Don lived in Miami for a long time. He wants to apologize for him for having to be mixed up with this. And he wants to apologize to the WWE Universe for having to listen to Napoleon Dynamite and his sidekick Pedro. See, now MVP is officially in the RR. If he does nothing else, he’s throwing Miz out. As a matter of fact, why wait for the RR. Since Heder wants to be Miz’s buddy and dis the WWE Universe, then Heder’s being thrown out to. Big Show’s music. He comes out. Miz out to go after MVP. MVP punches Miz, but then Big Show takes out MVP. Heder says he and Big Show have the same agent and thought it would be good if he came down as a little insurance policy in case anything went sour. Heder then couldn’t figure out why DX gets to celebrate every night. Why Don’t the four of them celebrate? Don wants nothing to do with that. Heder tells him to go make out with Tubbs. Heder says he has a feeling about Miz and Big Show. It’s like the creation of a beautiful friendship. Let’s hear it for friendship. DX will be facing the new team he’s creating – Big Show and The Miz. Big Show picks Heder up like he was a little girl. Heder slaps hand with Miz. Don looks on shaking his head.

    – Commercial

    Cena out to the ring. Kofi out to join him. Legacy out to face them. Video of Cody and Ted’s attack on Cena and Kofi last week.

    Cody and Cena tie lock up. Cena sends Cody flying. Ted tags in. they lock up and a punch to Ted. Bulldog to Ted for a long two. Punches to Ted in a corner. Cena telegraphs and Ted kicks him. Cody tags in and stomps the heck out of him. “Cena” chants from women and children. Ted pulls on Cena from outside. Cody pins for two. Ted tags in. Side headlock on Cena from Cody until the ref makes him leave. Ted on Cena with punches to the head. Cena fights back with punches and whips Ted. Ted moves and then clotheslines Cena for two. Ted drops elbows on Cena. Cena is able to tag out and Kofi on Ted fast and hard. Flies in to take Ted down, then to the corner and takes Cody out. Back elbows and a dropkick to Ted. A flying forearm and then a boom drop on Ted. Ted ducks out to Kofi’s way, but Kofi gets him in a corner. Cody on the apron and distracts Kofi. Cody is hit, but then Ted takes Kofi down. Cody tags in.

    – Commercial

    Ted has control over Kofi. Cody tags in and Kofi runs into a dropkick for two. Cody stomps Kofi and then punches him. Kicks to the gut and Kofi’s in the heel corner. Cody with the ref and Ted attacks from outside. Scoop slam to Kofi. Kofi avoids a knee drop from Cody. Ted tags in, but Ted misses too. Cody tags in and a cheap shot on Cena. Cody drags Kofi back. Cody pins Kofi for two. Ted tags in. Headlock in the center of the ring on Kofi. “Kofi” chants. Jawbreaker on Ted and Kofi is free, but can’t get to Cena before Ted grabs him. Back slam to Ted and they’re both down. Cena gets the hot tag and Cody also tags in. Cena takes Cody down a number of times, then a slam. Five knuckle shuffle on Cody. Cody up for an AA, but rakes the eyes. Side Russian leg sweep to Cena for two. Cena throws Cody off and gets him up for the AA. Cena pins, but Ted makes the save. Kofi makes a blind tag. Ted and Cody in the ring, Kofi climbs. Ted turns and moves, Cody takes the cross body. Kofi pins Cody for three.

    – Winners: Kofi & Cena

    Video of the high points in the match. Kofi and Cena on stage celebrating wile Legacy is in the ring rather pissed. Cody glares at Ted for letting him eat that cross body.

    Backstage Heder talking to Miz and Big Show. Miz says Heder’s doing great as guest host. Suddenly Hornswoggle is there. Heder wants to know what he’s saying. Miz and Big Show says no one knows what he says. HHH is there and says like everyone else, he doesn’t like Heder very much. Hornswoggle says something and HHH tells him to watch his mouth, it’s a PG show. HHH says Hornswoggle challenged Heder to a match. Miz says Heder has no interest in wrestling Hornswoggle. HHH says that’s interesting as no one has any interest in anything Miz does. Big Show gets in Hornswoggle face. Hornswoggle tries to bite Big Show’s finger. Big Show asks if they got that thing shots? HHH says that they’ll add Hornswoggle to the match and they add Heder. They all agree. Hornswoggle starts getting down the ladder, but then climbs back up to crotch chop them before leaving. Heder is freaked out. Big Show says not to worry, they’ll get him set up. Miz says he’ll be fine. They leave. Heder tries to figure out what just happened there.

    – Commercial

    WWE Rewind – Katie faced Eve. Eve got the win. Maryse glared from announce.

    Maryse out to the ring in sparkly black. Fox out in black lace. Kim out in lilac. Eve out in black.

    Kim on Maryse. Maryse slammed into a corner. Kim climbs and flies with a dropkick for two. Fox grabs Kim’s hair from outside and starts a fight out there while Maryse keeps the ref busy. Maryse hit’s a really poor backbreaker on Kim (Kim’s bum barely even landed on Maryse’s leg after it looked like Maryse might drop Kim when she spun her around – piss poor move). Maryse holds Kim’s hair and Fox tags in. Maryse poses on the apron. Fox hits another backbreaker (Kim’s back didn’t touch Fox’s knee and Kim’s bum almost landed on the floor – more piss poor wrestling) on Kim. Fox pins for two. Fox misses a scissor kick then misses an attack on Kim in the corner. Eve tags in and hit’s a great hip toss and then dropkick to Fox. Eve flips/splashes on Fox for two. Fox runs into a back elbow in a corner. Eve up in corner hit’s a beautiful new move/hold on Fox. Fox taps out.

    – Winners: Eve & Kim

    Kim and Eve hug outside. Maryse is all pissy and leaves. Fox looks sore on the ramp.

    Video of Austin on Chuck! Austin plays an assassin – shocker! Next Monday at 8.

    – Commercial

    Backstage Don is talking with Kelly, Heder is freaking out. Heder doesn’t know how he got into this. Don asks how he put himself in this spot. Heder tries to get Don to take his place. Don says they’re not that close, didn’t even have any scenes in the movie together. Big Show and Miz come in. they tell him it will all be fine. Big Show says he and Miz are really clicking, he’s getting along with the Miz better than he ever did with his old partner (who might he be referring to?). Big Show tells him to let him and Miz do the heavy lifting, then Heder can finish them off. Don says they have stuntmen to do this. This is a mistake! Miz says pink suits and white shirts are a mistake! Rolling your sleeves up on those suits are a mistake. Heder says they have a point. They present Heder with a robe. It’s very Flair-ish. Is says ‘The Flame’ on the back. Miz says he’s a house of fire, ready to explode! Big Show in a deep voice says, “No one can extinguish The Flame!” Don mocks them saying, “That’s hot.” and then leaves. They keep going with Heder, pumping him up.

    King and Cole go through the matches slated for the Royal Rumble.

    Backstage HHH talks to Vince. Vince says Taker was there when he screwed Bret. Taker called him a coward. He might call out Taker next week. HHH says to calm down. It’s not just Vince but all the McMahons, they always have to have the last word. He couldn’t just let it go! If he calls Bret out, he makes Bret a bigger star. If he doesn’t call him out, then the whole world knows he’s a coward. HBK comes up and asks about what HHH wanted to talk about. But then Hornswoggle is there on his ladder. HHH says they’ll talk later. HBK asks who will grab him? HHH tells HBK to do it. HBK comments on how much Hornswoggle weighs! HHH backs up and Hornswoggle gets on his back. They all walk away together.

    – Commercial

    Orton out to the ring. Masters out to face him with Eve in tow.

    The bell rings, but then Sheamus comes out. He walks stalks slowly down the ramp. Lock up in the ring. Side headlock on Masters who pushes out. Shoulder block on Orton. Punch to Masters. Masters tries for the lock but can’t get it on. Masters with a scoop slam, but Orton gets out. Back breaker on Masters and Orton stalks him. Masters reverses the RKO into a masterlock! Orton’s desperate to get out, but Masters has it locked in good. Orton’s fading to his knees, Masters holds it, but Orton somehow drops and pulls Masters to the ropes. Masters has to let Orton free. Orton hit’s an RKO and pins for three.

    – Winner: Orton

    Orton leans on the ropes regrouping, but the turns right into a bit boot from Sheamus. Video replay of the RKO, then the big boot. Sheamus on the stage smirking.

    – Commercial

    Promo for James Roday and Dule Hill from Psych who will be hosting RAW next week.

    Big Show out to the ring. Miz out to join him. Heder, in his interesting robe, out to join them, but little reaction.. DX’s music and the fans go wild. Hornswoggle is the first out, HHH and HBK come out flanking Don Johnson. They throw glow sticks to the fans.

    – Commercial

    Flying forearm from HBK on Miz in what Cole calls ‘vintage’. chops to Miz, but then mix hit two neck breakers on HBK (after really fumbling grabbing HBK the first time – more crap wrestling!). Miz goes crazy on HBK until the ref back him off. Big Show tags in and head butts HBK to the mat. Big Show picks HBK up, almost loses his hold on him, then slams him to the mat for two. Miz tags in. Miz stomps HBK. Heder looks on in awe. Miz chokes HBK with his foot. The ref backs him off. Miz runs and kicks HBK in the face. “HBK” chants. In a corner but HBK fights back. Miz rushes HBK, HBK charges out of the corner, they both clothesline hard and both are down. Hornswoggle tags in. Dropkick to Miz’s head while he’s down. DX chops! But then Miz, on his knees, clotheslines Hornswoggle hard. Heder reached out for the tag. Heder in, removes the robe to show… EW! King comment on whiter skin than Sheamus! Horrible boots, but he kicks Hornswoggle in the chest. Hornswoggle in a corner and Heder rushes, but Hornswoggle moves. Hornswoggle then bites the heck out of Heder’s bum. Hornswoggle makes it back to the face corner and tags in HHH! Heder freaks and flees. Don rolls Heder back into the ring. A big punch and Heder’s down. Big Show in and grabs HHH for a chokeslam, but HBK rushes in with sweet chin music. Big Show falls and lands across Heder! Sweet chin music to Miz outside. Hornswoggle tags in and flies onto them with a tadpole splash. Big Show rolls out and Hornswoggle pins Heder for three!

    – Winners: DX

    Hornswoggle is rubbing his chest a bit, as if Heder kicked a bit harder than he should have. HHH grabs a mic and says he’s been trying to say something all night long. They need to talk. HBK needs to figure another way to get that match. It’s not going to work out going after the championship Shawn. HBK puts and hand up in HHH’s face. Cena’s music hits and HBK then starts cussing in the ring. Reading his lips I think HBK says ‘what the F is going on now?’. Cena comes out and says this is a night of major announcements. Before he tells Shawn, he has a major announcement of his own. It’s been two years since he’s been in a RR and he’s officially stating he’s competing in the RR. Last time he was in the RR he won, this year he’ll do it again. HHH starts to talk, but then Big Show climbs in the ring with a mic. Big Show says he has news for each of them. He’s in the RR too. It’s designed for a giant like him. He’ll show why he’ll win the RR. Big Show attacks HHH and HBK. Shoulder block form Cena on Big Show. Big Show rolls out. DX toss Cena out of the ring. HHH then tosses HBK out. HHH says what they Don’t know is they’re not going to win the RR, because he is. HHH in the ring talks smack to HBK outside who stares up looking a bit lost and confused.

    Biggest pop
    Cena
    DX
    Kofi

    Biggest heat
    Vince
    Orton
    Sheamus
    Miz

    Biggest flop
    John Heder!

  • WWE Tries Out New Cowboy Character Before Raw Taping

    After numerous years in WWE’s developmental system, Ryan Reeves participated in his first dark match before last night’s Raw telecast. Going under the name Skip Sheffield, he defeated Chavo Guerrero. Reeves, who has undertaken a cowboy persona, cut a promo before his match about being from the South. He got the crowd to chant “yip yip yip” with him, which is something he does at Florida Championship Wrestling live events.

    After being one of the eight finalists on WWE’s fourth installment of Tough Enough, Reeves was signed to a developmental contract. He spent time in Ohio Valley Wrestling and Deep South Wrestling from 2005 to 2007 before being released in January of the latter year. Reeves later returned to OVW and managed to score a second developmental contract with WWE following a September 2008 tryout.

    He initially debuted in FCW with a Terminator-esque character he developed called Ryback, but adopted the Skip Sheffield persona this past fall.

  • Jerry Springer To Host WWE RAW On February 15th

    Jerry! Jerry!
    Jerry! Jerry!

    WWE has announced that talk show host Jerry Springer will guest-host the February 15 episode of WWE Raw.

    Could be interesting, but Jerry Springer appearing on WWE RAW is more than 10 years too late .. Both shows were red hot in the late 90s during the WWE Attitude era, it’s amazing Springer was never brought in for a few appearances. At the time, both were edgy and mainstream .. Better late than never ..

    The following is an updated list of the upcoming Raw guest hosts:

    January 18: Jon Heder and Don Johnson

    January 25: Actors James Roday and Dule Hill (stars of the USA show Psych)

    February 1: Actor William Shatner

    February 8: Not Yet Announced

    February 15: Jerry Springer

    March 15: “Stone Cold” Steve Austin

  • Sound Off 97: TNA Genesis and More Bret Hart Details Revealed!

    Solomonster Sounds Off

    DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
    Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 97)

    *right-click, “Save As”, or stream it!

    Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 16 minutes

    | Thoughts on last night’s TNA Genesis PPV and the death of the six-sided ring

    | More details on Bret Hart’s new deal with WWE and his first night backstage (and meeting with Shawn Michaels!)

    | Cause of death for Tony Halme a/k/a Ludvid Borga (the man who beat Tatanka!)

    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

  • More WWE Releases Expected, Update On Tyler Reks Situation

    — As announced this afternoon, World Wrestling Entertainment came to terms on the release of SmackDown performer Eric Escobar. WWE is apparently not through culling talent as Wrestling Observer editor is reporting that more releases are expected to be made over the next few days and/or weeks.

    WWE has parted ways with seven performers so far this year including — besides Escobar — Dino Carter, DJ Gabriel, Lennox McEnroe, Leroy Morgan, Lift Sawyer and Sweet Papi Sanchez.

    — WWE sound engineer Marc Lanciaux has deleted his Twitter account after it garnered attention regarding a story he relayed about ECW performer Tyler Reks asking to be removed from a flight leaving Green Bay last Wednesday.

    — WWE has revealed the artwork for its upcoming DVD release on SmackDown Superstar John Morrison, John Morrison – Rock Star. You can view the DVD’s cover at the following link. This title will be released on Tuesday, February 16, 2010.

  • WWE Announces The Release Of SmackDown Star Today

    Eric Escobar is the first main roster cut of the new year as World Wrestling Entertainment announced today that the company has come to terms on the release of the SmackDown Superstar.

    The following statement was released today regarding his departure from the organization:

    Eric Escobar released
    Written: January 17, 2010

    WWE has come to terms on the release of Smackdown superstar Eric Escobar as of Jan. 17, 2010. WWE wishes Eric all the best in his future endeavors.

  • Rob Van Dam Reveals Whether He Thinks TNA Or WWE Is Better

    During an interview with Empire Wrestling Radio, Rob Van Dam said he feels WWE’s product “is king” and the only real selling point for TNA is “saying they’re not WWE.”

    “I think when you talk about the product, you have a lot to consider. WWE is king. A lot of fans are turning toward TNA just because TNA’s strongest point is ‘Hey, we’re not WWE.’ When you see WWE arenas packed all the way to the roof and when you see TNA’s crowd, you know who is king,” Van Dam said.

    He also took shots at WWE’s version of Extreme Championship Wrestling, saying they will have to change the brand name soon because they “made it suck.”

    “They took a product that was superior in originality and they watered down to make it mean the same as one of their lesser show, and then eventually mean even (less),” he said. “It has no connection or affiliation now whatsoever with the original ECW. In fact, I heard they’re going to stop doing it real soon because they made it suck so bad.”

  • Melina Opens Account On Twitter, WWE Diva A Victim of Fraud

    — ECW ring announcer Angela Fong (a/k/a Savannah) was a victim of a fraud as she noted on her Twitter account last Friday that someone charged more than $1,000 on her credit card.

    — Melina has apparently changed her tune on social networking sites as the multi-time champion has opened an account on Twitter. You can follow her at twitter.com/RealMelina. She has also opened an account on the WWE Universe website at the following link.

    — Today is Kelly Kelly’s birthday, who turns 23 years old.

  • Bret Hart Comments On His Confrontation With Shawn Michaels

    On his official website, Bret Hart commented on his return to World Wrestling Entertainment as well as his interaction with Shawn Michaels, writing:

    “It’s hard to begin describing what a surrealistic feeling it was to walk out on the ramp to “Hitman” chants and my music pounding in my head. I want to say I was nervous but I wasn’t. Was this really happening? Was any of this possible? Had it really been 12 years? I have a lot of great memories from different times I wrestled in Dayton, Ohio over my 14-year WWE career, including winning the first ever King of the Ring, but the memory of the January 4th Monday Night Raw stands among the highest. Prior to the show, throughout the day, numerous WWE superstars and employees from all levels bent over backwards to make me feel at home. Many of them expressed to me how honored they were to be there on such as special night. Many of them seemed touched, if not emotional, in what I can only describe as one of the happiest nights in wrestling history.

    It’s worth mentioning that although I did see Shawn earlier in the afternoon in the cafeteria, our in-ring face-off was unrehearsed and heartfelt on both sides and I can finally say that Shawn and I have finally made peace in what has been a long, draining, and sometimes pointless war of personalities. As for everything else that happened, on one hand, I finally found some closure. On the other hand, as far as Vince McMahon goes, I haven’t closed anything at all. I have a lot of friends in a lot of places and we’ll just have to see what happens next.”

  • Two Former ROH Champions Face Off In WWE Developmental

    source: PWInsider.com

    — In a battle of former ROH World Champions, Kaval (Low Ki) defeated Bryan Danielson with a double stomp at last night’s Florida Championship Wrestling television taping in Tampa. Danielson is expected to stay in developmental for only a few weeks before being called up to the main roster.

    — This week’s episode of ECW scored a 1.0 cable rating, up 0.1 from the previous week.

    — WWE’s return to the Civic Center in Amarillo, Texas has been moved to Saturday, February 27th, 2010 and changed to a Smackdown/ECW house show. The event was originally going to be a Raw house show on Friday, February 26th, 2010. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)

  • Details On Bret’s WWE Return, Storyline Plans, Limitations

    Bret Hart first contacted WWE in February of 2009 to let them know that he was open to returning for a storyline. Hart’s girlfriend was going to school in Calgary and he would be based out of Calgary for a few years instead of Hawaii, where he had been. Bret was getting bored with retirement and thought of getting back into wrestling.

    Bret notes that there were times when WWE seemed interested and other times when they really didn’t seem interested in his return at all. He told them a few times that if they weren’t that interested, he was fine with that and then he would always hear immediately back from them with interest. Talks for this year’s WrestleMania angle got serious last September.

    There is a storyline in place through WrestleMania between Hart and Vince McMahon with hope for some sort of street fight or at least a showdown between the two at WrestleMania. Due to concussions from the past and his stroke in 2002, Hart is very limited to what he can do in the ring. He can’t take a traditional flat back bump. Obviously challenges like these could affect what happens between Bret and Vince. The original script for the RAW angle a few weeks back was for Vince to slap Bret in the face. Because of the concussion issue, they changed it to a kick in the stomach. It actually ended up being a kick to the groin from Vince, a miscue that Bret felt made the segment better.

    Both Bret and WWE have laid out the basic details of the storyline and agreed on them. Each side has veto power regarding minor details. Hart is scheduled to return at next week’s RAW and is scheduled to be a regular on RAW through February. Bret’s contract with WWE is for through April and is only for this storyline. Bret is said to be open to ideas if WWE is interested in using him past that point and is open to signing a longer contract. If no contract would be offered, he is still open to appearing on the occasional show for the next few years while he’s mostly based out of Calgary.

    Other sources report that revealing Bret’s stroke from 2002 in the storyline has been talked about. Apparently it will be a significant part of the angle at some point. Bret’s concussion issue is less likely to be brought up because it’s such a sensitive issue right now.

    On the plane trip from Hawaii to RAW, Bret’s sciatic nerve in his lower back was acting up badly, causing concern that he would be limping to the ring. Bret rested after the trip and was pain free by the time RAW came on Monday night.

    (Credit to the restling Observer Newsletter for the information used in this report)

  • John Cena Back Injury: Bulging Discs, Surgery Needed?

    John Cena
    John Cena

    The word going around WWE is that John Cena is suffering from a back injury.

    Reports indicate that Cena is suffering from a few bulging discs, which can be very painful and might require surgery.

    Not much more is known about the injury at this time and the severity is hard to assess.

    Nonetheless, it does appear that Cena’s condition is the reason Cena will not be wrestling WWE Champion Sheamus at the Royal Rumble.

  • Mike Tyson Thanks Vince For A Priceless Memory (VIDEO)

    Mike Tyson shows he's still got that knockout punch
    Mike Tyson shows he's still got that knockout punch

    WWE’s website has a video of Mike Tyson talking about what hosting WWE RAW meant to him.

    The boxing legend talked about being a wrestling fan his entire life and said former WWWF champion Bruno Sammartino is a longtime hero of his.

    Tyson says he owes Vince McMahon his life and got emotional when thanking McMahon for allowing him to have a moment in the ring with his son on RAW.

    To see the footage, click here.

  • Complete List Of 50+ Departures from WWE In 2009

    World Wrestling Entertainment parted ways with a confirmed total of fifty-seven “name” individuals in 2009 — twenty-seven performers from the main roster, eighteen wrestlers from developmental, as well as twelve “name” personnel. This is up one from the previous year.If the past few years are any indication, you can expect at least fifty more departures from WWE by this time next year as 2009 marked the fourth consecutive year in which over fifty “name” individuals parted ways with the company.

    Here is the complete list of WWE departures from last year:

    2009 Main WWE Roster Departures

    » Bam Neely – released on January 9, 2009
    » Boogeyman – released on March 4, 2009
    » Candice Michelle – released on June 19, 2009
    » D-Lo Brown – released on January 9, 2009
    » Eugene – released on August 14, 2009
    » Gavin Spears – released on January 9, 2009
    » “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan – departed on October 3, 2009
    » Hardcore Holly – released on January 16, 2009
    » Jeff Hardy – departed on August 25, 2009
    » John “Bradshaw” Layfield – departed on April 5, 2009
    » Kizarny – released on March 9, 2009
    » Lauren Mayhew – departed on November 24, 2009
    » Lilian Garcia – departed on September 21, 2009
    » Manu – released on February 23, 2009
    » Mike Adamle – departed in January 2009
    » Mr. Kennedy – released on May 29, 2009
    » Ricky Ortiz – released on August 8, 2009
    » Ron Simmons – released on January 13, 2009
    » Ryan Braddock – released on March 8, 2009
    » Scotty Goldman – released on February 20, 2009
    » Sim Snuka – released on June 19, 2009
    » Tazz – parted ways on April 3, 2009
    » The Brian Kendrick – released on July 30, 2009
    » Umaga – released on June 8, 2009
    » Val Venis – released on January 9, 2009
    » Vickie Guerrero – departed on June 8, 2009 (returned on September 29, 2009)
    » Victoria – departed on January 13, 2009

    2009 WWE Developmental Departures

    » Aiden Frost – released on September 12, 2009
    » Barry Allen – released on June 4, 2009
    » Dylan Klein – departed in December 2009
    » Espiral – released on September 12, 2009
    » Fletcher Chase – released on September 12, 2009
    » Hade Vansen – released on January 9, 2009
    » Jon Cutler – released on June 4, 2009
    » Joseph Canterbury – released on June 4, 2009
    » Kafu – released on June 4, 2009
    » Kaleb O’Neal – released on March 6, 2009
    » Kevin Thorn – released on January 9, 2009
    » Kris Logan – released on September 12, 2009
    » Lupe Santiago – released on June 4, 2009
    » Mike Kruel – released on January 9, 2009
    » Saylor James – released on January 2009
    » Troy Jackman – released on September 12, 2009
    » Tyson Tomko – released in early 2009
    » Vic Adams – released on August 2009

    2009 WWE Personnel Departures

    » Afa Anoa’i, Sr. – released in March 2009
    » Freddie Prinze, Jr. – departed in February 2009
    » Jim Korderas – released on January 9, 2009
    » John Carle – released on March 4, 2009
    » Kevin Keenan – released on January 9, 2009
    » Marty Elias – released in August 2009
    » Matt Cappotelli – released on January 9, 2009
    » Mickie Henson – released on January 9, 2009
    » Mike Posey – released on January 9, 2009
    » Sgt. Slaughter – released on January 13, 2009
    » “Superstar” Billy Graham – released on April 17, 2009
    » Tim White – released on January 9, 2009

  • Shawn Michaels DVD Cover Revealed, Update On Reks Incident

    — WWE has released the artwork for their forthcoming DVD set on Shawn Michaels’ greatest matches, Shawn Michaels: My Journey. You can view the cover at the following link. This three-disc set will be released on Tuesday, March 9, 2010.

    — Since the story of Tyler Reks being removed from a flight yesterday morning broke out, Marc Lanciaux, a sound engineer for WWE who witnessed the ECW star behaving erratically, has removed all online posts he made concerning the matter.

    — WWE’s return to the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas has been moved to Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 and changed to a Smackdown/ECW taping. The event was originally going to be a house show on Saturday, February 27th, 2010. (Thanks to Devin Cutting)