Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW Supershow takes place from the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee.
– WWE Champion C.M. Punk vs. Dolph Ziggler.
– The big reveal from the cryptic “It Begins” videos will take place.
– Brodus Clay will make his long-awaited return to WWE television.
Announced for the live crowd (possibly dark matches) are:
– Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole in a Memphis Street Fight.
– John Cena vs. Kane in a “Raw Challenge match.”
– According to fans in attendance, the John Cena vs. Kane matches at this week’s RAW live events have been mostly one-sided for Kane until he uses a chair and gets disqualified, with Cena getting the upperhand after the match and clearing the ring.
– Cox Communications has WWE Classics On Demand still, with footage on it that won’t be removed until January 22nd. WWE was actively advertising a “Raging Rebels” theme for January; no indication has been given by WWE or Cox that the service will be discontinuing in the near future.
– FCW Champion Leo Kruger was back in action at Friday night’s RAW live event in Hartford, Connecticut. Kruger, who has previously worked as a heel, teamed with Alex Riley and Mason Ryan to defeat the team of Tyler Reks, Curt Hawkins and JTG.
– John Cena appeared in 11 out of 13 WWE pay-per-view main events in 2011. CM Punk had the second-most pay-per-view main event matches in 2011 with 7. The Miz and Alberto Del Rio followed with 5 pay-per-view main events while R-Truth had 4.
– Randy Orton appeared in 35 main events on WWE TV throughout 2011, beating John Cena who had 27 TV main events. Christian came in third with 22 TV main events, Alberto Del Rio and R-Truth with 19, CM Punk and Sheamus with 18, Mark Henry with 17 and a four-way tie with Daniel Bryan, The Miz, Tyson Kidd and Dolph Ziggler appearing in 16 TV main events.
– Actor Dennis Haskins, best known as Mr. Belding from Saved By The Bell, recently spoke with MemphiSport.com about his quest to become WWE’s RAW General Manager.
There is a petition going around on Twitter to get Haskins hired by WWE as the RAW General Manager. Haskins has appeared on Zack Ryder’s YouTube show and is a known wrestling fans. There was talk months back of Haskins hosting RAW but it never happened.
The petition currently has less than 400 signatures. Haskins is asking fans to bring “Belding For GM” signs to Monday’s RAW Supershow in Memphis. He has received the support from guys like Ryder, The Miz, CM Punk, Diamond Dallas Page and others.
– John Cena was featured on CNN during Saturday night’s 2011 Year In Review recap show, hosted by Anderson Cooper.
Cooper made mention of Cena’s announcement on the death of Osama bin Laden to the live audience at the end of WWE Extreme Rules, which included CNN playing a YouTube clip of the announcement and showing the PPV graphic.
– John Cena sent the following tweet to recognize the end of 2011 and the start of 2012:
“A polarizing 2011 comes to an end. One filled with love and hate. The struggle continues tomorrow. A new day. A new year. Rise Above Hate. “
* Picture of CHRIS JERICHO At The Airport TODAY: Heading To RAW?!
— Randy Orton, who is out of action after suffering a herniated disc on the L4-L5 level on the left side, is scheduled for the Jan. 16 Raw SuperShow in Anaheim, California and the Royal Rumble taking place Jan. 29 in St. Louis, Missouri.
— The back page of USA Weekend features an article on the late Randy Savage. The legendary wrestler died of a sudden heart attack while driving with his wife, Barbara Lynn Payne, in Seminole, Florida on the morning of May 20, 2011.
— SmackDown ring announcer Lilian Garcia rang in the new year by partying with her TNA Wrestling equivalent, Christy Hemme. A photo of the two with former WWE Diva Candice Michelle is available here.
— Former WWE Diva Stacy Keibler is featured in the latest issue of the National Enquirer with a story devoted to the best and worst beach bodies in Hollywood.
source: F4WOnline.com
Randy Orton, who remains sidelined after suffering a herniated disc on the L4-L5 level on the left side, was asked how he was doing on Twitter.
“Pain free at the moment,” he responded. “I do some kind of therapy/rehab every morn and night. Funny to sit back and watch the rumors.
He was then asked about his mindset following the injury.
“Enjoying every minute actually,” he responded. “Getting to spend this much time in with Sam and Al is great. I think we all needed it.”
Orton also says he has read all the rumors concerning his injury. He says “It’s hilarious.”
Michelle McCool has been greatly criticized over the years for taking the fast track to WWE glory. After entering an intimate relationship with The Undertaker in late 2007 (who she married in June 2010), many critics attributed her position in WWE to her influential partner rather than her ability to perform. Speaking to Inside Wrestling, the four-time champion is asked why she has received so much flack.
Dan Murphy asks McCool, “I know you like to keep some things private and this was never announced, but you did marry The Undertaker. He’s obviously a veteran and icon in the business with a lot of influence. Was it the Diva Search background or having the relationship with someone like him that’s responsible for the heat and resentment you got?”
She responds, “Bottom line: People in our business are always going to look to find reasons to see the negative in somebody and to become resentful. I don’t really know where it began: probably with me getting the tag as “Diva Search reject.” But I don’t know anybody who, if they had an opportunity like the Diva Search, they wouldn’t jump at it. If they didn’t jump at it, they’d be idiots.
“People can say what they want to say, but at the end of the day, I can look at myself in the mirror. I know how hard I fought. I know how many storylines I pitched. I know how hard I worked in the ring. I can’t tell you the number of times I was one of the first people at the arenas or at TV, constantly trying to better myself. I can honestly say that my hard work paid off. My resilience paid off. My persistence paid off. That’s all there is to it. People are always going to say what they want to say and believe what they want to believe, but that’s the bottom line.”
SRG Films’ upcoming film Crossface retelling Chris Benoit’s descent into double murder and suicide will feature actors portraying his wrestling peers.
“Eddie [Guerrero] is obviously very important to the story,” Sarah Coulter tells WorstPreviews.com, who has already written the first draft of the script. “Triple H, Kurt Angle, they’re all there, but it’s early and things can still change.”
Regarding whether the film will be a biopic, Coulter says, “Chris had a remarkable career. You take a look at his time in Japan and with Stu Hart, and you realize that you’d need more than one movie to tell the entire Chris Benoit story. Ultimately, it’s about the 2007 murders/suicide, so we had to pick and choose the right moments in Chris’ career that may have been factors in his downfall.”
Coulter adds several actors are under consideration for the lead role and that an official casting announcement will be made soon.
WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper checks in with a new comedy video where he reveals his New Years Resolutions for 2012:
— Next Friday on the first SmackDown of 2012, World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan will put his title on the line against Big Show and Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes will defend his coveted gold against Booker T.
— Following an unsuccessful stint on Raw, Drew McIntyre returned to Smackdown on Friday’s show. His resolve and worth was called into question by Teddy Long in a backstage segment as the General Manager matched him up against Ezekiel Jackson. If McIntyre couldn’t win, Long said he’d have to start thinking about letting him go. While McIntyre argued with the referee about having his feet on the second rope during an attempted pinfall, Jackson swooped in and grabbed him by the tights to roll him up for the win.
After the match, McIntyre demanded that Long not count the match as a loss, claiming the referee was biased. Long would retort that he disliked losers, but especially ones who make excuses.
— Shelly Martinez posted a video fulfilling Dolph Ziggler’s request to the “Blue Meanie Dance.”
— WWE Hall of Famer Howard Finkel handled ring announcing duties at this week’s Raw live events.
Friday’s episode of SmackDown saw Alicia Fox drop Natalya with a Scissors Kick for the decisive win. Then with Natalya still reeling, Tamina blasted her own partner with a kick to the face, followed up by a Superfly Splash from the top rope. Former Diva Cherry, a close friend of Natalya’s, was alarmed by WWE’s shabby treatment of the third-generation grappler.
She tweeted, “WWE have lost their minds! I have no idea what the hell they’re doing to Natalya! You’re wasting the talent of one of the best wrestlers you’ve got!”
Regarding the loss, Natalya wrote, “It’s not how hard you get hit, but how Many times you get hit, get up and keep on fighting. That’s hart…I mean heart.”
Stephanie McMahon will appear on Heavy Muscle Radio with Dave Palumbo and Chris Aceto this Monday night at 8:00 p.m. to discuss her workout regime and growing up in a WWE family. The podcast will be available at RXMuscle.com.
Palumbo, who helped McMahon get in the best shape of her life after giving birth to three children, stated on the RXMuscle.com forums that more photo shoots displaying her new trim figure are planned. Chris Zimmerman, who shot the McMahon workout pics, praised her kindness.
He wrote on RXMuscle.com, “When Dave asked me to shoot Stephanie and told me just what a genuinely nice person she was, I said sure…But still was not ready for how truly nice she was.
“I grew up watching her family. I guess shows like TMZ kinda brainwashed me that stars don’t want to be bothered by “us normal folk.”
— Jim Ross commented on Brock Lesnar announcing his retirement from mixed martial arts after losing in the opening round to Alistair Overeem in Las Vegas, Nevada at UFC 141.
“Brock Lesnar to WWE rumors rampant. Always said IF Brock returns it would be for a one off appearance. Now’s NOT the time,” Ross tweeted.
He continued, “I find it HIGHLY IMPROBABLE that there is an even remote chance of a Brock Lesnar vs Undertaker match at WM28. IE..ain’t gonna happen. Calling Oliver Stone..please report to rumor central/fantasy booking department to write Lesnar to WWE storyline. No rush. 2013 will do.”
— CM Punk has been named Pro Wrestling Illustrated‘s Wrestler of the Year for 2011.
The honor goes along with Punk being named WWE Superstar of the Year on the December 12, 2011 edition of Raw.
Stephanie McMahon Levesque was recently interviewed by bodybuilding website RXMuscle.com. McMahon spoke about losing weight and getting back into shape after giving birth to her kids. Here are some highlights of what Stephanie said about:
The Biggest Obstacle She’s Overcome: “From a body standpoint? Losing the baby fat-weight after having each of my children. I think normal weight gain is 35 lbs, I saw fit to double that. I’m the type of person that always has to eat right to be lean, so when I was pregnant the gloves were off and I ate like a champ! We’re talking a minimum of 4 pop tarts every morning with eggs and a glass of milk as a staple.”
Favorite Quote: This isn’t necessarily my favorite quote, it’s just the one that is coming to mind, “Learn to eat shit and like the taste” a life lesson by my dad, Vince McMahon.
Vince’s Love Of Physical Fitness: “It’s hard to say what life was like growing up as “Vince McMahon’s daughter”. I would watch my dad on Saturday mornings do interviews and I’d watch him commentate with Jesse Ventura on Saturday Night’s Main Events. It was just what my dad did; I didn’t look at it as anything unusual. It wasn’t until I was a little older and the other kids tried to make fun of me that I realized my situation was a little different (I actually kicked a kid in the shins for saying wrestling was fake!). My Dad was always big into working out; he’s the one who got me turned on to the gym. He was so intense and trained so hard, it looked like fun!”
How She Met Triple H: “We were married on TV as a fictional couple and life just imitated art…It wasn’t love at first site, but I bet you could call it chemistry at first site. I have never been more attracted to anyone in my entire life! He would just look at me and I would blush; still happens to this day actually.”
Whether She’ll Wrestle Again: “Anything can happen in the WWE!”
Stephanie noted that she legally had her middle name changed to McMahon (making her full name Stephanie McMahon Leveque) and she does not see her and Triple H having anymore kids.
The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s WWE SmackDown on SyFy.
– Jinder Mahal vs. Ted DiBiase
– Kaitlyn & Alicia Fox vs. Tamina & Natalya
– Justin Gabriel vs. Hunico
– Big Show vs. David Otunga
– Drew McIntyre vs. Ezekiel Jackson
– Sheamus vs. Heath Slater
– Falls Count Anywhere: Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett
Former WWE diva Torrie Wilson is reportedly dating baseball star Alex Rodriguez.
Longtime pro wrestling photographer Bob Mulrenin has posted an exclusive series of photos of the 2x Playboy cover girl with former WWE diva Tammy Sytch and TNA knockout Lisa Marie Varon. the New York Yankees’ A-Rod Alex Rodriguez. Pictures of their recent meeting can be viewed at HeymanHustle.com.
Popwrecked.com has the first picture of Torrie Wilson and A-Rod together.
According to a well placed source in WWE, there is a lot of misinformation out there regarding Randy Orton’s injury. The WWE website reported that company physician Dr. Michael Sampson examined Orton this week and found Orton’s back has a herniated disc.
Our source stated, “Randy might be back for the Royal Rumble, or he might not be back before WrestleMania. Orton is weighing his options carefully, and Vince wants to make sure Randy isn’t rushing back into the ring just for the WrestleMania payday. Vince has a long term investment in Randy, and he already has his three main events locked in for WrestleMania.”
WrestleMania’s top three matches are said to be The Rock vs John Cena; Undertaker vs HHH with Shawn Michaels as guest referee and CM Punk defending the WWE Title, presumably against Chris Jericho.
Paul “Triple H” Levesque’s promotion in September 2010 to WWE’s Executive Senior Advisor made official what was already informally apparent: Vince McMahon’s son-in-law will one day run the sports entertainment empire. Speaking to Power Slam, Jim Cornette comments on whether Levesque is qualified to succeed McMahon as head honcho of WWE.
“Nobody’s qualified to replace McMahon,” says Cornette. “Vince is one of a kind, a guy who will never come along again.
“Triple H is a student of the business, but he’s still got his own little quirks. He’s Vince’s son-in-law, and he’s being groomed for the spot because he thinks in large part like Vince McMahon in terms of what a star is supposed to look like: a jacked-up bodybuilder. So, some things are not going to change. He’s probably going to bring a more youthful approach to it, although [Triple H is] in his early 40s. So, he’s not exactly youthful—but Vince is 66.
“So, no: nobody’s qualified to replace Vince. [Triple H] might do an okay job. But, personally, I think when General Patton [Vince] passes on, I think they’re in trouble. [WWE is] always going to exist because they have a lot of money in the bank and they’ve grown into such a global company, but I don’t think there’s going to be any giant ground broken or revolutionary things done after Vince is gone.”
— WWE.com reported Thursday that company physician Dr. Michael Sampson examined Randy Orton and said he suffered a herniated disc on the L4-L5 level on the left side, which has resulted in pain and weakness down his leg.
“He’s going to need some time off for rehab, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy,” said Dr. Sampson.
F4WOnline.com reports that his injury is legitimate. Orton had been complaining of the injury for two weeks which is why his physical workload was reduced prior to the injury angle shot at Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in Indianapolis, Indiana. WWE.com says the injury could keep him sidelined for a few weeks.
— WWE.com has posted an article reflecting on the numerous comebacks to take place in 2011. Booker T, Kevin Nash, Triple H, Trish Stratus, the “Classic” Intercontinental Championship, Mick Foley, masked Kane and The Rock are highlighted.
Lashley With His First MMA Championship (Click To Enlarge)
During an interview with SLAM! Wrestling, MMA fighter and former WWE & TNA superstar Bobby Lashley says that he wants to return to WWE sometime in the future.
Lashley, who recently captured his first MMA championship, said he’s eagle to settle up on “unfinished business” and “there’s still something’s to accomplish in WWE.”
“I’m completely open to going back, I would love to come back and do something big if there was an opportunity presented, I would definitely consider it,” he said.
“While I would do it, if the chance never came my way then I would be completely content in continuing with what I’m doing at the moment and that’s continuing wrestling and trying to become the best possible fighter I can be.”
To read the full interview, head over to Slam.Canoe.Ca.
Click To VIew Pictures Of Shaul Guerrero
– Dusty Rhodes tweeted that Shaul Marie Guerrero, daughter of Vickie and Eddie Guerrero, is his pick for the breakout FCW star of the year.
Guerrero, who is known as Racquel Diaz at FCW, is the current FCW Divas Champion and the “Queen of FCW.”
– Kevin Nash tweeted on Wednesday night that he is fine and should be back in action in a couple of weeks.
– Alicia Fox’s younger sister Caylee Turner has been ring announcing at FCW as of late.
Florida Championship Wrestling standout Seth Rollins wrestled Tyson Kidd at this week’s SmackDown live event in Detroit, Michigan. Rollins, working as a babyface, got the win in what was said to be a great match, despite the fact that the live crowd was not very into the action. Rollins and Kidd tweeted the following about the match:
Kidd: “Funny things happen when you mix a dose of Tyson Kidd with a talented and hungry athlete #workhorse”
Rollins: “Thank you Detroit! Holy $h*t that was awesome! So glad to be back! Can’t wait til next time. Get ready Buffalo…here we come!”
Multiple WWE sources have indicated that Rollins will debut on television “sooner than later.”
WWE.com has released details concerning Randy Orton’s condition following an injury he suffered at Tuesday’s SmackDown taping, including how long The Viper could be sidelined.
Although the full extent of his injury remains to be seen, WWE physician Dr. Michael Sampson examined Orton and updated WWE.com on his condition.
“Randy suffered a herniated disc on the L4-L5 level on the left side, and that’s resulting in pain and weakness down his leg.” Sampson explained. “He’s going to need some time off for rehab, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy.”
WWE.com adds that the injury could keep him sidelined for a few weeks.
Sheamus will replace Orton in Street Fights against Wade Barrett at WWE live events this week.
Mark Henry was recently interviewed by NorthJersey.com, Here are some highlights of what the former World Heavyweight champion said about:
His Current Push On Hold Due To Injury: “I’ve had my opportunities. Injuries are something that always seem to get in the way. I’ve gone almost a three- or four-year stretch, thank God, without an injury.”
20 Years Since Competing At The Olympics: “It seems like it’s been a long time to me and I would rather it feel that way. I’ve done a lot in my life. I’ve enjoyed the journey. I’ve had a chance to reflect and look back. But more than anything, the fact that I’m able to still be relevant and the world of sports and entertainment still know who Mark Henry is, it means a lot to me.”
Being An Ambassador Of WWE: “I’ve been that. I’ve never been a drug abuser. I’ve never been somebody that was abusive outside of professional entertainment. I’ve always done things necessary to grant and warrant carrying the gold.”
– WWE ring announcer Tony Chimel announced at Wednesday’s SmackDown live event in Detroit, Michigan that Randy Orton was absent due to injury and that refunds would be offered. Wade Barrett then cut a promo saying he put Orton out of action for six months.
– The first program to air on the WWE Network will be WrestleMania Rewind. The three-part series will air the day of WrestleMania XXVIII.
The program is based on last year’s The True Story of WrestleMania, but with additional footage from recent shows.
– Matches taking place on today’s episode of WWE Superstars on WWE.com include Evan Bourne and Kofi Kingston vs. Curt Hawkins and Tyler Reks, Alex Riley vs. JTG, Darren Young vs. Trent Barreta and Tyson Kidd vs. Yoshi Tatsu.
(sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, ProWrestling.net)