Florida’s NaplesNews.com has an article up looking at the career of SmackDown superstar Wade Barrett.
Barrett, who reveals that his ring name is a nod to rock band Pink Floyd’s founder, Syd Barrett, talked about how becoming a pro wrestler has allowed him to achieve a lifelong dream.
“I realized, statistically, the chances of me getting to the WWE and being very successful were very slim. I always hoped it would happen for me. I was very lucky to get the opportunity and I was going to make sure I was going to make the most of it.
“Wrestling was my first passion and something I wanted to do from a very young age.”
He was studying Marine Biology at the University of Liverpool when he decided to start training to become a professional wrestler. He worked for several independent promotions in the UK and hoped to one day make it to the big stage of WWE.
After making a huge splash in the Summer of 2010 as the leader of the Nexus faction, Barrett admits that he very quickly fell from the main events and got lost the the shuffle. Now, with his Barrett Barrage angle, he’s looking to make it back to the top:
“Wrestling is quite cyclical in its nature. If you have the same guys at the top of the card all the time, people get bored of it. They don’t want to see the same guys wrestling over and over again.
“I had a bit of a lull, but it allowed other guys to move up to the spot I had. The feud with Orton propelled me to the top of the card again. Things have been going very well for me. I didn’t take it personally when I moved down the card. People have to move up and down to keep things fresh. That’s the nature of the business.”
He also spoke about the toll professional wrestling can take on your body and life on the road, calling it a “lonely existence.” To read the full interview, head over to NaplesNews.com.
WWE’s developmental system is on the verge of undergoing some major changes in the coming months – and it all has to do with how WWE calls up their talent to the main roster.
Recruiting talent is not an issue at this point – as Florida Championship Wrestling currently features on of its best rosters ever. Wrestlers such as Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Husky Harris and Percy Watson all have potential to be breakout stars – but WWE has learned the hard way how absolutely crucial first impressions are and what happens when you introduce talent before they’re ready.
Triple H’s latest inititive is not to bring developmental talent to the main roster until the WWE creative team has a character in mind for them and a long-term idea of how to use them.
On many occasions, WWE has called up wrestlers without properly introducing them or having an angle for them. The wrestlers are seen as “filler” and their careers are badly damaged.
It’s been acknowledged that several FCW stars have more potential than guys on the main roster, but WWE does not want to bring the FCW guys up until their characters are more polished.
Because many of FCW’s most promising stars spent years working the independent scene (Rollins, Ambrose), that path is no longer looked down upon the way it was just a few years ago. Maybe that Punk guy had something to do with that.
– Rey Mysterio was telling people backstage at Monday’s Slammy Awards that he’s in no rush to return. After his latest knee surgery, he wants to make sure he’s 100% before wrestling again.
While he was hoping to be back in action in time for WrestleMania on April 1st, he’s now shooting for May.
– As for Sin Cara, he’s got about four months before he’s ready to return following his recent knee surgery. He’ planning to compete at WrestleMania and does not want to miss the big payday.
– As we reported last week, Kaityn’s recent heel turn and attack on AJ Lee was edited off the 12/6 episode of SmackDown. The segment was cut due to time constraints. WWE did not follow up on the angle at this week’s tapings, so the heel turn may have been dropped all together.
– Some people within WWE are predicting the lowest buyrate of the year for Sunday’s WWE Tables, Ladders & Chairs pay-per-view.
– As we reported recently, Kelly Kelly has reportedly been trying to get her real name (Barbara Blank) out there, in the event that she does leave WWE down the road. When she recently launched her official website, she had originally bought the domain BarbaraBlank.com, but was told by WWE to use her WWE name and thus, she opened WWEDiveKellyKelly.com.
– Most of Jim Ross and Michael Cole’s interactions on RAW in recent months has been unscripted. JR is from an era where performers had to improvise on the mic, so he and Cole are trusted to work off bullet points instead of a full script.
– Beth Phoenix and Natalya are seen as the only two Divas in the company who can actually work.
– Del Rio’s stock has fallen behind in WWE. While he was pushed as WWE champion just a few months ago, he’s now viewed as upper mid-card at best and not somebody who can be the top heel on RAW.
– The latest word on WWE’s Legends House program on the new WWE Network is that the show will tape from Tampa.
Recent Changes in WWE: “I recognize I still have a lot of stuff left to do. People need to get comfortable at the idea that stuff doesn’t happen overnight. I’m in this for the long haul, and I’m such a student of the game. I actually care so much, I’m not looking at tomorrow for everything to be different and better, I’m looking 10 years from now.”
Why The Locker Room Should Be Pissed At The Rock: “I don’t know Dwayne personally. I’m glad he’s back. He came back for Survivor Series, some more people watched the show, and they watched me become the man and watched me steal the show. So, it’s a business thing, but whatever industry you’re in, if that happens…I’m pissed off that I’m on the only one pissed off. It’s like, ‘Come on guys, don’t you have any pride in what you do? You’re just gonna let this guy come in [and steal the show]?”
Defending John Cena: “Here’s the thing. I think John Cena is tremendous. I think Cena doesn’t gets the credit for how hard he works. I said it in the promo I cut in Vegas, ‘I don’t dislike you, John, I dislike this idea that you’re the best and you’re afforded all of these opportunities.’…I don’t hate John at all. He’s actually one of my favorites guys to get in the ring with.”
His Relationship Status: Punk is currently single.
The Anonymous RAW GM: Punk said there was a plan for the RAW General Manager to be revealed but wouldn’t say who.
Del Rio Mishandled: Punk said Alberto Del Rio was a victim of the system and should have won the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania. Punk added that WWE is notorious for “cutting the throat” of some of their younger talents.
His Health: Punk admitted he is beat up but not in “crippling pain.”
You can listen to the full interview here:
Posted December 14th, 2011 in News, WWE. Tagged: CM Punk.
SFC Joe Jones of the Golden Knights takes C M Punk for a ride from 13,500 feet. It was all part of the WWE Tribute to the troops week. Watch as SFC Jones puts CM Punk in a head lock while in freefall.
Posted December 14th, 2011 in News, WWE. Tagged: CM Punk.
– Tuesday night’s Tribute to the Troops special on USA drew a 1.93 rating with 2.77 million viewers. Unlike RAW’s recent trend of losing viewership throughout the show, Tribute to the Troops started off with 2.75 million viewers in the first hour and rose to 2.78 million in hour two.
By comparison, last year’s Troops special – which aired on a Wednesday night, did a 2.0 rating with 3.01 million viewers.
– WWE announced a new executive hire on Wednesday. Andrew Judelson will be WWE’s new Executive Vice President of Sales & Partnership Marketing, effective January 2, 2012. Judelson, previously a senior executive from Sports Illustrated Group, the NHL and most recently U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA), will be “a key member of WWE’s senior management team and responsible for all sales and key marketing partnerships for the company including talent endorsement deals.”
To read the full press release, head over to MarketWatch.com.
— Time‘s “Person of the Year 2011” features a brief biography on Randy Savage. Savage, who passed away on May 20, was included in their “Fond Farewells” section of notable deaths in 2011.
— Regarding WWE discontinuing Classics on Demand in order to bolster the strength of the WWE Network when it debuts in April, although subscribers to the video on demand service are receiving postcards informing them that the service will be discontinued on January 1, 2012, some cable operators are telling customers asking about its status that it will not be discontinued until March 31, 2012.
— WWE will hold a Raw live event at the Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.
– John Morrison is reportedly asking $5,000 to make appearances at indy shows and autograph signings. Morrison has been approached by several top indy promoters and turned down solid offers that were less than $5k.
– The Newman Times-Herald is reporting that former WWE star Finlay’s son David is planning to get into pro wrestling once he graduates from high school. David is currently a standout high school wrestler and plans to train in Japan.
– New Jersey independent wrestler Dante Dash has been added to the WWE developmental roster on FCW’s website. You can check out his bio here.
– 80’s musician Stan Bush, who performs the song “The Touch” that was featured in CM Punk’s John Laurinaitis video tribute, tweeted the following about his song being used on RAW:
“@CMPunk Thanks for spinning The Touch on Raw! It’s the tune that never dies! #YouveGotThePower”
“The pro-wrestling world has been pretty kind to me in 2011! First it was @CHIKARApro now it’s @WWE – “The Touch” and wrestling work pretty well together!”
“Thanks for the kind words! I’m glad they played it – even for Johnny Ace!”
– After Tuesday night’s WWE SmackDown tapings from Raleigh concluded, Wade Barrett, Cody Rhodes and Heath Slater beat down Randy Orton until Big Show made the save. Orton put Slater through a table to end the show.
– Chris Jericho was asked on Twitter about online reports that he’s returning to WWE to feud with CM Punk. Jericho, who is rumored to be returning to WWE in several weeks, called the reports “bogus, weak journalism.”
– WWE Games noted on Twitter that data from the new WWE ’12 video shows that CM Punk is the most-played superstar in the game.
– WWE officials Trish Stratus to appear at Monday’s Slammy RAW to present the Divalicious Slammy along with Lita. Trish turned down the offer because she would have to spend two full days traveling from/to Canada for a 5-minute television appearance. WWE was understanding about the situation and there’s no heat on Trish for declining the offer.
– Monday’s special 3-hour Slammy RAW drew a 2.84 rating. The final 2 hours (RAW’s usual timeslot) did a 2.98 – virtually even with last week’s 2.97. Continuing the trend of losing viewership in the final hour of the show, hour 3 did a lower rating than hour 2 this week.
– As we’ve seen in recent weeks, Monday’s RAW was re-written several times throughout the day. Triple H, who returned to RAW, won a Slammy and cut a promo on The Undertaker setting up a possible WrestleMania 28 rematch, wasn’t even booked to appear on RAW just a few hours before the show went on the air.
– Evan Bourne beat Tyson Kidd in the dark match prior to Tuesday’s NXT, Superstars and SmackDown tapings.
– John Cena is being advertised for Sunday’s Tables, Ladders and Chairs pay-per-view, but nothing has been announced for him as of Wednesday morning. There has been talk backstage this week that Cena could be added to as a special referee for the United States Title Match between Dolph Ziggler and Zack Ryder.
There’s also the longshot chance that Cena gets added to the triple threat main event between Punk, Miz and Del Rio.
The following announcement was sent out on Tuesday:
WWE(R) Raw(R) World Tour Comes to Abu Dhabi for First Time
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Dec 13, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — WWE announced today that it will bring the WWE Raw World Tour for the first time to the Zayed Sports City, International Tennis Complex in Abu Dhabi from Thursday, February 9 through Saturday, February 11, 2012. This marks the second time within a year that WWE is bringing its World Tour to the Middle East.
WWE currently has a strong TV presence in Abu Dhabi reaching more than 20 million households across the region with its flagship weekly shows, WWE Raw(R) and WWE SmackDown(R). WWE Raw is broadcast on MBC and the Abu Dhabi Sports Channel, with WWE SmackDown seen on Orbit Showtime Network.
“WWE is the biggest name in family entertainment today,” said Patrick Talty, General Manager of the Zayed Sports City. “Their Superstars are some of the most talented performers in the world. The fans will not be disappointed when they get to experience all the WWE excitement live and in person. We are proud to be hosting their inaugural trip to Abu Dhabi.”
“Hosting three live events in Abu Dhabi for the first time is a testament to the growing demand for the WWE brand in this region,” said Dominic Hayes, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, WWE International. “As part of our continued international expansion, we are very excited to bring our unique form of live, action-packed entertainment and the biggest WWE Superstars to our passionate fan base in the Middle East.”
Tickets are on sale from Thursday December 15, 2011 at 12:00 pm and can be purchased from www.zsc.ae
— Jim Ross stated on Twitter that he assumes Amy “Lita” Dumas’ appearance on Monday’s Raw SuperShow was a one-time occurrence but that she’s opening to “doing more.” He also added details regarding her arrest Friday.
“Her recent traffic arrest was speeding,” he wrote. “License wasn’t suspended. Computer glitch.”
AugustaCrime.com lists Dumas’ as awaiting trial on charges of speeding in excess of maximum limits and driving with a suspended license. She was released on $2,200 bond. Her court date is not listed.
— A.J. stated on Twitter that WWE developmental wrestler Naomi was traveling with her to WWE shows this week.
— WWE Hall of Famer Tony Atlas appears at the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame 30 East Main St. Amsterdam, New York on January 14, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
WrestleMania 28 is now just 3 1/2 months away – and the top matches for WWE’s biggest show of the year are starting to take shape.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know the main event of WrestleMania 28 be The Rock vs. John Cena.
We noted yesterday that WWE officials are currently planning a WWE Championship match between CM Punk and the returning Chris Jericho.
On Monday’s RAW, Triple H returned and cut a promo on The Undertaker, the man he’s already faced twice at WrestleMania. According to sources within WWE, the current plan is for Triple H to get yet another shot at ending the streak, as Triple H vs. Undertaker 3 is currently scheduled for WrestleMania.
Hit up the comments below and tell us what you think about the current card for WrestleMania 28.
At the end of Monday’s RAW Supershow, WWE superstar Kane returned after several months off television. The Big Red Machine returned with a totally new look – wearing a silver “Iron Man” style mask over a traditional “Kane” Mask.
Kane chokeslammed John Cena and left him laying as RAW went off the air.
Check out this video of Kane’s WWE return –
Posted December 13th, 2011 in News, WWE. Tagged: Kane.
– After Monday’s RAW went off the air, Kane left the ring and headed up the ramp, as did Mark Henry and eventually, John Cena. Cena sold the Kane chokeslam for a while. Once those three left the ringside area, the bell rang and we got the advertised dark match main event between WWE Champion CM Punk vs. The Miz vs. Alberto Del Rio. The match lasted about fie minutes, with Punk winning after the GTS on TheMiz. Punk celebrated after the match and shook hands with the fans and the show ended.
– With WWE’s Tables, Ladders and Chairs pay-per-view just 5 days away, it’s worth noting that John Cena is still not booked for a match. Cena has wrestled in 11 out of 12 PPVs this year so far.
– Former WWE superstar MVP has posted episode #8 of his Youtube video show, which you can view below. This week’s show featuresformer WWE star Lance Hoyt breakdancing in Japan.
Our friends at Off The Top Wrestling Shirts have released a limited edition Kamala shirt. A portion of the proceeds from each shirt will go to help Kamala with his medical bills. It’s a great cause and a pretty badass t-shirt design.
NOW YOU CAN BE JUST LIKE THE UGANDAN GIANT WITH THE KAMALA SHIRT FROM OFF THE TOP WRESTLING SHIRTS
Off The Top Wrestling Shirts is proud to officially release The Kamala Shirt. The dark brown t-shirt features Kamala’s infamous moon and stars on the front. $5 from each Kamala Shirt sold will go directly to WWE Legend James “Kamala” Harris to help with costs from his recent hospitalization.
“Hi wrestling fans, this is Kamala. I’m still in contact with you as you all know. I will be seeing you all again in the very near future,” said The Ugandan Giant, who had his foot amputated recently. “To make sure I’m with you, here I am on a t-shirt.”
The special edition Kamala Shirt starts at just $20 with $5 from each shirt sold going directly to James “Kamala” Harris.
Off The Top Wrestling Shirts screen prints its own shirts from the Northeast United States. We pride ourselves on providing wrestling shirts for fans, made by fans. The Kamala Shirt is the first in a line of benefit shirts for the Legends of Wrestling that we grew up with and still follow today.
The Kamala Shirt and our entire line of wrestling shirts can be found at OTTwrestlingshirts.com.
Posted December 13th, 2011 in News, WWE. Tagged: Kamala.
— The I.P.A. Network is now accepting autograph signing bookings for former WWE star John Morrison. Contact Steve Woolf at celebritysignings@sbcglobal.net (951) 780-9611.
— Tough Enough contestant Rima Fakih appears on MTV’s MADE Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.
— At the conclusion of the 2011 Slammy Awards, Kane reemerged, once again masked. The Big Red Monster locked his hand around the neck of John Cena and left him laying with a devastating chokeslam.
One reason for Kane resurfacing with a mask is because WWE officials are looking to set a new Guinness World Record for the “largest gathering of people wearing costume masks” at WrestleMania XXVIII in Miami, Florida. Original plans called for the record attempt to take place during a Rey Mysterio vs. Sin Cara match, but with both superstars currently injured, Kane is WWE’s next best bet.
The current record was set May 10, 2011 during a Major League Baseball game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Chicago White Sox at Angel Stadium of Anaheim when roughly 25,000 fans donned red Lucha masks during a designated ten minute time period.
At Monday’s RAW, it was announced that the WWE Championship will be hanging above the ring in the Triple Threat main event of Sunday’s WWE TLC pay-per-view.
Here is the updated card for Sunday:
TLC Match For The WWE Championship:
CM Punk vs. The Miz vs. Alberto Del Rio * WWE title will be hanging above the ring
World Heavyweight Title Match:
Mark Henry vs. Big Show
Tables Match: Randy Orton vs. Wade Barrett
Ladder Match With Sledge Hammer Hanging Above The Ring:
Triple H vs. Kevin Nash
Intercontinental Title Match: Cody Rhodes vs. Booker T
United States Championship Match:
Dolph Ziggler vs. Zack Ryder
WWE: Tables, Ladders & Chairs takes place on Sunday, December 18th, 2011.
Posted December 13th, 2011 in News, WWE. Tagged: TLC.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross, who had a rap battle against Michael Cole on Monday’s Slammy RAW, tweeted the following about forgetting some of his lines during the segment:
“I apologize 4 the worst segment of tv I’ve ever killed. Had a rap thought, lost it. Won a Slammy!:)
“@JerryLawler …. sorry I embarrassed the team. huge brain fart! Cole’s face made me go blank. rap career dead!! #sauceit!”
“Michael Cole ur damn fool. King beat u like Gov Mule. I should call Raw ur not in my class. U kissed kings feet now u can kiss my ass! Whew.