— SuperLuchas.net reports WWE has not contacted Alex Shelley. A friend of Shelley’s who wrestles for the organization informed the former TNA Wrestling star that there is interest in signing him.

Shelley plans to take a hiatus before negotiating with WWE. The website reports that he wants to bypass developmental and head straight to the main roster.

— The final Florida Championship Wrestling television to emanate from FCW Arena in Tampa, Florida reportedly takes place Thursday night with Jim Ross announcing and William Regal facing Dean Ambrose. The organization’s official website has a show listed for June 21.

— WWE developmental wrestler Richie Steamboat competed at Saturday’s SmackDown live event in Augusta, Georgia, losing to Damien Sandow. He was originally scheduled to face Drew McIntyre.

– Nicole and Brianna, formerly known as The Bella Twins, appeared at their first independent wrestling show on Friday in Newburgh, New York for Northeast Wrestling. Appearing as special guests, Nicole and Brianna argued over who was the better man, Luke Robinson or Jerry “The King” Lawler. Robinson appeared and said Nicole had brains and better genetics, which led Lawler to come out and stick up for Brianna. “The King” then suggests that in their main event match, they each have a Bella in their corner.

As the match concluded, Brianna hopped on the ring apron to complain about Robinson’s cheating. Robinson then tongue kissed Brianna, resulting in a slap across the face. Nicole then got angry and slapped Robinson, leading to Lawler rolling him up for the pinfall victory. “The King” then received a kiss from Nicole and Brianna as the crowd chanted “Uncle Jerry.” He left the ringside area with both Bellas.

– Kevin Nash has been announced to appear for Extreme Wrestling Federation on Saturday, June 16 at The Borderman Gym 501 E. Marion St. Converse, Indiana. He will be facing Mark Vandy and participating in a pre-show autograph signing. (Event Details)

– WWE.com has posted new photos of Eve Torres.

— Washington Redskins defensive end Adam Carriker was asked during his wrestling radio show 4th & Pain whether he could beat Mark Henry in an arm wrestling contest.

“Me,” he says when asked who would reign supreme. “I mean, Mark Henry has claimed to be the World’s Strongest Man for like two decades now. Is he really the World’s Strongest Man still or is that just some title he won’t relinquish. At some point I’ve got to think you’re not the World’s Strongest Man anymore. I’ve got to think at some point age has caught up with him. He’s been in the business a while… I’m still a young stud. In all honesty, the man is ridiculously strong. But I think I’ve got the fulcrum points, I’ve got the leverage part. I think I can take him.”

— Mick Foley addressed his involvement with THQ’s WWE ’13 video game via Twitter, writing, “”Fired up to be part of @WWE 13. I re-create some of my best known moments from the Attitude era. Cool stuff to be part of.”

He also stated that will be signing copies of his WWE produced children’s book “A Most Miz-erable Christmas” on December 1 at Santa’s Village in Jefferson, New Hampshire.

— Remember when Goldberg took his frustrations out on a limo? Relive the “Clash of the Week” on the latest edition of “Are You Serious?” as Road Dogg and Josh Mathews give the WWE Universe what they want.

[vsw id=”XL1CZdkS_aE” source=”youtube” width=”590″ height=”330″ autoplay=”no”]

— Jim Ross will be at the FCW Arena in Tampa, Florida this week for the last set of FCW Wrestling tapings. A match pitting Dean Ambrose against William Regal is scheduled for the event.

“Gonna be a great week in Tampa this week. Gonna do a little commentary Thurs nite at FCW. Love working w/ WWE Development talents,” Ross wrote.

— Chris Jericho is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Revolver.

WWE has attempted to distance themselves from Chris Benoit since his career and life ended in a murder–suicide on June 24, 2007. With the exception of his results and listings in WWE.com’s title history (though summaries of his title reigns have been removed), and select content published when he was alive, he is generally not acknowledged by the sports entertainment organization. All mentions of Benoit have been removed from archived footage broadcast on WWE Classics On Demand whenever possible. Matches and other footage involving Benoit have appeared very sparingly on new video releases. Benoit was, however, listed in the first WWE Encyclopedia volume released in 2009, where his wrestling career up to where he lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Randy Orton in 2004 is detailed, along with title history. A second volume is scheduled for release this September and author Kevin Sullivan confirmed that Benoit is once again listed.

When asked via Twitter whether the new edition will have a Benoit section, Sullivan responded, “Yes, he does.”

Vince McMahon stated during a 2009 interview with WWE Magazine for “The Untold History of the WWE” issue that it is okay to acknowledge Benoit within a historical context but not in a promotional manner.

“It’s not right to pretend he didn’t exist,” he said when asked whether Benoit’s history can be acknowledged by WWE. “It’s one thing to include him as part of a historical perspective, which I believe is okay, and it’s another thing to promote him, which is not okay.

“The situation is very similar to that of O.J. Simpson—despite his controversy, O.J. was still a part of the NFL scene. You can’t deny that he existed.”

Over a three-day period ending on June 24, 2007. Benoit killed his wife, Nancy Benoit, strangled his seven-year-old son, Daniel, and subsequently committed suicide by hanging.

Mexico’s SuperLuchas.net is reporting that Randy Orton violated WWE’s Wellness Policy after he tested positive for the steroid Dianabol.

The report states that Randy Orton first tested positive for marijuana, which carries a $2,500 fine but does not result in a Wellness Policy violation / suspension from WWE. However, when Orton tested positive for weed, WWE then ordered an additional drug test for other substances, which is when he came up positive for Dianabol as well.

More Backstage News On Randy Orton’s Suspension

Dianabol (methandrostenolone) is a steroid that can be ingested orally or injected. The substance was very popular in the bodybuilding community until it was banned by Congress in the United States under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970.

This report has not yet been independently verified by Rajah.com, so for now, take the Super Luchas Magazine report as a rumor.

– TMZ.com has posted an update on John Cena’s divorce – and the gossip site says that the Florida home that Cena and his wife were remodeling was a major factor.

It has already been reported that the extensive home renovation was causing a an “unbearable strife” between the Cenas.

New documents uncovered by TMZ show that one of the contractors that was working for them filed a $110,000 lien on their house, claiming he was not paid for work he performed.

Picture of John Cena’s Florida Mansion

– Booker T has posted a his latest “Fave 5” video, naming the 5 WWE superstars that are on his radar:

* Backstage Details on RANDY ORTON’s Suspension (Drugs He Used, When Writers Found Out)

– RAW’s 1,000th episode on July 23rd will feature a DX reunion, as Shawn Michaels and Triple H will be “getting the band back together” for the special night.

– John Laurinaitis will no longer be teaming with Big Show in handicap matches against John Cena at WWE’s upcoming live events. Cena is not getting off the hook that easy – because Lauinaitis is being replaced with Tensai.

Cena defeated the team of Big Show and Tensai at Friday night’s WWE live event from Alexandria, Louisiana. June’s RAW brand live events now list John Cena vs. Big Show and Tensai as one of the top matches.

– To promote the DVD release of Hulk Hogan’s “No Holds Barred” on July 3rd, WWE has launched Twitter accounts for the movie’s two main characters – @Rip and @Zeus.

It was announced on SmackDown that WWE Champion CM Punk will defend against Daniel Bryan and Kane in a 3-way match at WWE No Way Out.

With that match set, here’s the updated card for No Way Out on Sunday, June 17th:

Steel Cage Match
John Cena vs. Big Show

WWE Championship Match:
CM Punk (c) vs. Kane vs. Daniel Bryan

World Heavyweight Championship Match
Alberto Del Rio vs. Sheamus

– Sin Cara returned to action on Friday night’s SmackDown, defeating Heath Slater. Sin Cara, who was trending worldwide on Twitter during the broadcast, debuted new red & white ring gear.

Video of Sin Cara’s Return Match (No Botched Spots!)

– SmackDown tag team Darren Young and Titus O’Neil are now known as the Prime-Time Players.

– In the following SmackDown Backstage Fallout video, Cody Rhodes, Heath Slater and others talk about this week’s show:

VIDEO: SIN CARA’s Return Match – See His New “RED & WHITE” Mask & Ring Gear

– As reported earlier this week, WWE Hall of Famer Mike Tyson will be a playable character in the upcoming WWE ’13 video game. Tyson recently filmed several promos for WWE at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. The footage will likely be used to promote WWE ’13.

– Bill DeMott confirmed on Twitter that he will be replacing Tom Prichard as the head trainer at Florida Championship Wrestling. The former Tough Enough coach wrote:

“I have been given the opportunity to lead developmental training system. Nothing is better then being surrounded by productive positive people! We r blessed for how it started and where it’s going!”

– The WWE website has an article up looking at the “15 shocking outcomes you didn’t see coming.” Some of the events include John Cena defeating Brock Lesnar at Extreme Rules, WWE buying WCW, Steve Austin turning heel and aligning himself with Mr. McMahon, Barry Horrowitz winning a match on RAW back in 1995 and more. You can view the list here.

– CM Punk retained the WWE Championship against Daniel Bryan at Friday night’s RAW live event from Alexandria, Louisiana. After the show, Punk tweeted:

“Well tonight sucked. Nothing like being rewarded for hard work. I did see @MichelleDBeadle shot out of a cannon though. That was awesome.”

A fan replied and apologized for the crowd reactions to which Punk replied:

“Wasn’t you. It was me.”

As we reported this week, there are plans for Daniel Bryan to continue touring with the RAW brand and wrestling CM Punk over the next several weeks. A “submission match” stipulation has been rumored for their upcoming bouts.

– Developmental wrestler Seth Rollins (former ROH Champion Tyler Black) wrestled at the Alexandria, LA show as well – defeating Michael McGillicutty. Fans who were in attendance noted that Rollins was very over with the fans and looks to be ready to be called up to the main roster.

– Jim Ross’ Twitter account was hacked again on Friday. JR tweeted:

“2nd time in a month I’ve had to change twitter password. However, have all the fun you want. It’s EZ to be a jackass behind keyboard.”

– Lex Luger turns 54 years old today.

– WWE Champion CM Punk will be appearing at the Wizard World Comic Con in Philadelphia today from 2pm until 6pm.

– CM Punk is reportedly scheduled to wrestle Big Show at SummerSlam.

The two previously faced off at the pay-per-view event in 2010, with Big Show defeating Punk, Joseph Mercury and Luke Gallows in a 3-on-1 Handicap Match.

This year’s show takes place August 19 at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.

Pictures of CM Punk’s $2 Million Chicago Apartment

– WWE’s stock price hit an 8-year low on Friday – going as low as $7.58 per share. The previous low point was $7.43 per share on April 10, 2003.The stock was down 3.1% for the day since Thursday’s closing price.

– Two weeks after being involved in a multi-car accident in Las Vegas, Nevada, Rosa Mendes returns to managing Epico and Primo at tonight’s Raw live event in Alexandria, Louisiana. She tweeted on Friday:

“Packing for 13 days on the road. Can’t wait to see my Mendesluverz and for them to see me. AW took me shopping! I love $$$,” she wrote Thursday on Twitter. “But I love looking beautiful a lot more. Wait till you see me on Monday:).” She added Friday, “On my way to Alexandria!!! So ready to shake my thang lol;).”

Mendes suffered serious whiplash from the accident but no other major injuries were reported.

(source: F4WOnline.com)

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog update, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com.  Here are the highlights:

Randy Orton’s Suspension: “Amazed at the amount of questions we have received on Twitter @JRsBBQ regarding Randy Orton’s 60 suspension from WWE for a 2nd violation of WWE’s Wellness Policy. Not too sure what there is to not understand … Bottom line is that the business as always been about such things as “when one door closes, another door opens” and that “being in the right place at the right time” and both are still valid and viable in today’s ever changing world and that includes sports entertainment.”

Backstage Reaction To Randy Orton’s 60-Day Suspension

Paul Heyman’s Twitter Rant: “As @HeymanHustle pointed out on Twitter earlier this week and as I’ve mentioned here many times, talents need to become much more motivated and aggressive in obtaining meaningful exposure and then ‘maximizing their minutes.’ As the old sales cliche goes, one won’t get the order until one asks for it. To add to that cliche with another, one can’t sell goods out of an empty wagon. Translation…do what ever is necessary to professionally and legally get noticed and then be able to back it up once your number is called. There has never been a more opportune time for talents who have the drive, determination, ingenuity, and physical talent to elevate as roster depth at the top of the card is ripe for the pickings.”

Paul Heyman Rants & Gives Advice To Young Talent

Brock Lesnar Meeting With UFC Last Weekend: “What would I think of Brock Lesnar attempting to become a ‘two sport’ guy and perform in WWE and fight in UFC at the same time frame? I’d suggest that it would be ill advised and that it can’t be done on the highest level of each genre in an efficient manner. Obviously, a person could do it, theoretically, and enhance his earnings over the short haul but it seems as if it would be too taxing an issue on one’s body to attempt such a feat. I have no idea is that idea is even on Lesnar’s radar but we’ve gotten the question here a great deal. I’m not in touch with Brock and haven’t been for years so my take on the matter is merely one man’s opinion.”

As always, you can check out JR’s amazing line of BBQ products at WWEShop.com.

iN DEMAND has revealed the promotional poster for WWE’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view event taking place July 15 and it features Alberto Del Rio in a Forbes-like magazine cover. The official description suggests that only one Money in the Bank Ladder Match will be held, rather than two in the past.

The synopsis reads: “A guaranteed championship match hangs 20 feet above the ring in a steel briefcase. One man will scale the heights and seize his destiny. Don’t miss John Cena, Randy Orton, The Miz, Alberto Del Rio, and all your favorite WWE Superstars at WWE Money in the Bank, Sunday, July 15, live on pay-per-view.”

– As you can imagine, there was panic in WWE this week over RAW’s 2.7 rating. Even though Monday was Memorial Day, WWE’s flagship show is entering dangerous territory with that low number, especially with RAW about to go 3 hours next month.

– Personal trainer Joe DeFranco has published part 2 of his article describing Triple H’s personalized workouts.

– The official theme song for WWE’s No Way Out pay-per-view is “Unstoppable” by the band Charm City Devils.

– Former WWF announcer Sean Mooney is now the co-anchor for NBC Tucson, Arizona affiliate KVOA. Mooney lives in Arizona also runs a production company in the area.

– Mr. Long Island Iced Z is back with another installment of the Z! True Long Island Story:

Diana Hart Smith was on Inside The Ropes this past Thursday and she had a lot to say about Sarah Ferguson originally being in her spot at SummerSlam, how the Montreal Screwjob might have started back at One Night Only in England, how she thinks HBK and HHH were teachers pets to Vince AND that she has a hush hush project coming up with Linda Hogan. Here are the highlights:

On How SummerSlam Came To Wembley:

It wasnt meant to happen. It was meant to be Shawn and Bret I think, It was to take place in the Capitol Center in Washington. Davey told Vince ‘You could do some really great business on the bank holiday weekend for SummerSlam’ Vince began to put some things together in his mind. He must have known Davey Boy and Sky TV were getting over. It was pretty sudden like June. It broke all sorts of records and sold more tickets than at that time Madonna or Michael Jackson. They sold the whole thing out in like 11 hours which is just unbelievable. I was a part of it. I was an integal part of it.

How Diana was almost pulled from the match:

Even though I was supposed to be a big part of this brother vs. Brother in law. They weren’;t sure they wanted me to even go to the show. They were going to bring in Sarah Ferguson and she was going to raise the hand of the winner. I guess they thought they’d sold all the tickets and it doesn’t really matter. We can replace Diana with Sarah Ferguson. I was written out of it, I was really hurt by it. I wasn’t planning on being a part of it. Sarah had some bad publicity and I was back in the match.

How she got involved with HBK/Bulldog angle:

It was right after the Iron man match. I’d asked Davey for a long time if I could be involved, manage him or something. Vince got really into the idea and Davey came up to me just after WrestleMania and said they wanted to use me. They kinda kept us in the dark each week about what was going to happen. At first it was Shawn was going to make advance towards me. The big conclusion that you didn’t get to see was it was me going after Shawn all along and some fan would have filmed the footage on a video camera. Davey and I were a bit like ‘Where does that leave us?’ It makes Davey look stupid and his wife look like a tramp who went for Shawn. Davey presented his case to Vince and it just kinda got pulled and they wrapped up the storyline.

Memories of One Night Only in England with Davey Boy/Shawn and finish being changed?

It was a shock. You have to do what you’re told. I thought ‘those bastards’ why are they doing this to him and in England. Where does it leave him? They made Davey their first European Champion, they made the belt for him and now they take it away from him. Sometimes if I wonder if it was connected to the Montreal Screwjob. Sometimes I don’t wanna think that because then I start thinking about these conspiracy theories. It was something in the works then and we didn’t know it. I was aware that Chyna would be getting together with me. I thought she was un-necessarily rough with me. I know Chyna is strong, I felt she was un-necessarily aggressive with me.

On atmosphere backstage at One Night Only with Shawn and Bret being bad?

I could feel it. I wasn’t there all the time but I felt like Shawn and Hunter were getting carried away with being the teachers pets.

Feelings on the Screwjob?

I was in Vancouver and managed to get home to see it. I would never have fathomed they would have done this to Bret. My Dad thought it was part of the storyline. We thought it was part of something that started back in England at One Night Only. Owen was disgusted and a lot of guys wanted to quit.

Did she support Bulldog getting out of his WWF contract after Montreal?

I didn’t want him to do it. I wanted him to stay. It cost Davey $100,00 to get out of it. I didn’t want him to do it. I felt terrible for what happened to Bret but I didn’t want Davey to lose the money. The funny thing is the same day Davey paid the $100,000, They gave Owen a $100,000 bonus for re-signing and staying with the company.

Did she ever hold WWF accountable for Owen’s death in 1999?

I always believe it was an accident. I never thought it was anything more than an accident.

Do you think it was soon for Bulldog to come back in 1999?

It was Davey’s call but in hindsight, i think he should have waited. He was anxious to show everyone….. He wanted to show WCW, ‘Look what you let go?’ and it was almost a kind of a ‘Take a look at me now’

Thoughts on her book in 2001 Under The Mat ?

I hate the book and I wish it was never written. I wish the person writing it with me had done it differently. They took the bad parts of my stories and left out all the good stuff.

Her Future:

I look forward to doing a project with Linda Hogan. I’m awaiting news on that. She has some irons in the fire. She said if anything turn out, she wants me to be on board.

To hear the interview check out Inside The Ropes on Facebook (Facebook.com/theinsidenetwork) or listen to the show at Insidetheropes.podbean.com.

Later this weekend the full 90 minute plus interview will go up where she discusses her beef with Debra, accusations of flirting with Steve Austin and more about her life with the Bulldog.

– Chris Jericho has responded to Paul Heyman’s Thursday night Twitter rant about what today’s young superstars need to do in order to become main eventers:

“I agree with @HeymanHustle diatribe and I would like to add one more piece of advice. To really make it in this business…. you have to be willing to take a chance. And if that pisses some people off than so be it! Stop being so nice. Nice doesn’t cut it.”

Read Paul Heyman’s Twitter Rant Here (Great Read)

– There is once again talk of WWE merging the Intercontinental and United States title. With WWE recently bringing back the classic IC title and the US title held by comedy act Santino Marella, WWE will likely drop the US title after a unification match.

There are no plans to unify the WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight title because WWE likes having both belts defended on the separate RAW and SmackDown live events.

(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

WWE announced on Wednesday that Randy Orton has been suspended from the company (once again) for 60 days after violating the Wellness Policy for a second time.

Recap Of Randy Orton’s Past Suspensions

No word yet on when Orton failed a Wellness test, but there are indications that a few people high up in WWE knew about the situation days before it was announced on the WWE website.

Following Chris Jericho’s recent suspension, the planned No Way Out match between Orton and Jericho had to be scrapped. With Jericho out of action for 30 days, it was then decided Orton would feud with Dolph Ziggler in the coming weeks. The WWE writing team did not know about Orton’s suspension until it was announced online – which explains why Orton was booked strong on RAW, laying out The Miz with an RKO.

Orton’s second violation of the Wellness Policy puts him and WWE in a bad spot. Despite his lack of push this year, WWE has built around Orton for years and he is still considered one of the top 3 stars in the company. Now that he’s one violation away from being automatically released (as per the Wellness Policy), WWE will likely be even more hesitant to invest significant resources in his character.

(Partial Source: f4wonline.com)

Paul Heyman went on an epic Twitter rant on Thursday night, talking about his amazing career in professional wrestling and what today’s young superstars must to do in order to become the next Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan or The Rock.

Chris Jericho Reacts To Paul Heyman’s Rant

Here is Paul’s rant in its entirety:

“I look at some of these [ECW] pics, and I realize how blessed I was in my career. Some guys have to wait forever for a lucky break. I managed @AustinIdolLive and Tommy Rich at the age of 21. Also The Orig Midnights, which I got to do on @ESPN. Got to book Windy City at 22 years old. Eddie Gilbert’s assistant booker at same age. Got to debut in WCW on TBS at 23 years old. So I was @JRsBBQ color commentator at 23 years old. NO ONE IS GIVEN THAT OPPORTUNITY IN TODAY’S ENVIRONMENT! I will admit, with all modesty, I #Hustled my ass off, and GOT MYSELF the opportunity with ambition, politics, and pure assertiveness.”

“Even “down periods” would give me the chance 2 work w/ people like Mean Mark. U know him as “The Undertaker”. At 26, I managed @SteveAustinBSR, Rick Rude,Arn,Eaton, Zbyszko … The Dangerous Alliance (didn’t forget @Madusa_Rocks). I’m working with these legends, these giants of the industry, these absolute top guys in my 20s. In today’s system, most super talented people spend a great portion of their 20’s just trying to make it onto the main roster. … and yes, that has to change. I got to take over the creative of #ECW a week after my 28th birthday. By the time I became @JRsBBQ commentator on @WWE #Raw in 2001, I was 35 years old. STILL a “kid”… … but I was already a veteran with decades in the business, and yet a 35 year old today would just be getting that chance. … and working with @JRsBBQ on #RAW allowed me to commentate Wmania 17 and @SteveAustinBSR vs @TheRock … By the time I worked with Brock Lesnar, which has become my best known managerial role, I was 36 years old … I look at some of these pics and videos #HustleTweeters send me, and I realize what an amazingly blessed career I’ve had …”

“I’ve had more lucky breaks, more open doors, more perfect-storm-timing-opportunities than anyone else I’ve known. These pics don’t just remind me of “accomplishments,” they remind me of what a lucky bastard I’ve been to be able to work with these magnificent people, and play these roles, under these various circumstances. I’ve hit the lottery so many times, it’s easy to just “expect” the next opportunity, or get a sense of entitlement. But I’ve never felt entitled. Always blessed. Privileged. Lucky as all Hell. And yet, I know how much hard work goes into it, and how you have to SCORE with your opportunities.”

“The next generation in this (or any other business) doesn’t just need to “Step Up,” they need to “Stand Up” and “Get Noticed!” Think it was easy for @CMpunk? Think it was easy for @WWEDanielBryan? They had to scratch and claw and fight for every inch of turf they could pry away from the previous generation, who made them fuckin’ earn it!!! It’s not about backstabbing. It’s not about kissing ass. It’s not about pulling a hot stunt and getting momentary publicity. It’s about creating your own opportunity (like @SteveAustinBSR did with “Stone Cold”) and working harder than every1 else looking for the big break, the next chance, the golden opportunity.”

“This isn’t a pep talk. It’s the lay of the land as I see it in today’s sports entertainment industry. I would have written a blog, but who knows if anyone will click on the link? And while this may be a “stream of consciousness” diatribe, it’s a message to those who may be getting frustrated, a message to those who may be wondering “will I ever get that chance? that break? that opportunity?” DON’T WAIT FOR IT TO COME TO YOU! RELY ON YOURSELF!!!”

“Do you think @SteveAustinBSR relied on anyone? Did HHH? Did @TheRock? Did Hulk Hogan? Did @CMpunk? With great humility, I ask you, did I? FUCK NO. If there was no opportunity, I created my own, pushed my way in manipulated the circumstances to beg, borrow, plead, blackmail, bribe, cajole, threaten, bullshit and/or manufacture. All I wanted was a mic in my hand and a time frame in which I had to deliver my message. I knew I would score. I’ve seen it in this business for ages. I saw @ShawnMichaels go from tag team wrestler to greatest all around in-ring performer ever. Think it was easy for him? I remember when Shawn and Marty were blackballed in the business, and could only work in Ala-fuckin-bama. Think it didn’t take @ShawnMichaels everything “and then some” to break out of The Rockers and get a chance as “HBK”?”

“AMBITION. ASSERTIVENESS … and the ABILITY TO BACK IT UP is what it takes to create the next generation of main eventers. The talent is there. The opportunity has never been more widespread. The need for new main eventers is readily apparent. “DOCILE” and “COMPLACENT” and “HUMBLE TO A FAULT” won’t cut it. While a dose of humility is always needed, that “main event confidence” is just as important. And it’s time for the next group of superstars to stake their claim and create their own generation for others to follow. Period. Excla-fuckin-mation point. The lecture is over. Pontification has ended. Hope I’ve been of help 2 ANYONE who follows this acct and maybe even to someone who doesn’t! We now return to our regularly scheduled nonsense, #HustleBootyTempTats, and shameless @HeymanHustle website links!”

– WWE Champion CM Punk thinks he might be cursed, because the last three men he wrestled at WrestleMania are currently suspended. Punk tweeted:

“My last three Wrestlemania opponents are currently suspended. I’m a curse!”

– WWE Studios and Lionsgate are moving forward with the reboot of 1993 horror movie The Leprechaun. Veteran writer Harris Wilkinson has been tapped to write the script, according to movie site Deadline.com.

– The final FCW television tapings on June 7th from the FCW Arena in Tampa will feature a highly anticipated rematch between Dean Ambrose and William Regal. Since their first encounter on November 6th, both men have been teasing a rematch, with Ambrose  using Regal’s moves (the Knee Trembler and Regal Stretch) in his matches.

*SPOILERS* for Tonight’s WWE SmackDown

The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s WWE SmackDown on Syfy:

– WWE champion CM Punk vs. Kane

– World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus vs. Dolph Ziggler

– The return of Sin Cara

– Damien Sandow vs. Ezekiel Jackson

– Ryback will be in action

– Santino and Zack Ryder vs. Darren Young and Titus O’Neil

– Cody Rhodes vs. Tyson Kidd

Also scheduled to appear are Big Show, John Laurinaitis, David Otunga, Daniel Bryan and AJ.

— John Morrison addressed his departure from WWE during an interview with Colt Cabana for The Art of Wrestling.

“I left on good terms,” he said of his parting of ways. Morrison added that management always told him that his inability to cut a strong promo held him back from achieving greater success; he admits it’s something he needs to improve on. He is now looking to reposition himself and is hopeful that he’ll be worth more upon his return to the organization.

Morrison also discussed his workout routine, parodying The Undertaker and Triple H in an online video, parkour, life outside of professional wrestling and more. The interview is available at WeLoveColt.com.

— Marcus “Buff” Bagwell is at home recovering after being involved in a serious car accident on April 23 while traveling near his hometown of Marietta, Georgia. The former WCW Superstar is quickly healing from the life-threatening ordeal and is eyeing a return to the squared circle.

“Buff is doing much better!” a representative of Bagwell told Hollywood.com. “He is at home and ready to work again.”